BEAUMONT, Texas — The brother of Yovahnis Roque, a man accused of killing his 2-year-old in Orange, told 12News that at time of the alleged murder, Roque's mother was trying to obtain a mental health warrant for Yovahnis.
According to experts, determining the illness is a process than be complicated.
"There's been a lot of questions and confusion going on with mental health," said Alexandria Cimo, a licensed therapist for Family Services of Southeast Texas.
She says mental health conditions aren't always easy to diagnose.
"We look at people in mental health situations and it is all about patterns," said Cimo.
Cimo said negative patterns of behaviors vary from person to person, based on someone's medical, mental or drug history. However, emotional trauma can easily trigger behavioral changes.
"A lot of times we go through things in life when we were younger, or even now that causes changes in how our brains process," said Cimo.
12news talked to the Orange murder suspect's brother, Lazaro Roque. He said on the morning baby Savannah was killed, Roque's mother left Savannah at home with him while she went to obtain a "mental health warrant" for him.
According to the Texas Mental Health Code, anyone over 18 can file for an emergency mental health warrant for an individual if they believe the person is a danger to themselves or others.
If a judge deems the person mentally unstable, local authorities would take the person to a mental health facility or hospital for evaluation.
However, Cimo said it's important to understand that not everyone expressing abnormal behavior is struggling with mental health.
"That doesn't mean there is a deeper mental illness, it just means they are going through a struggle and they need a little additional help," said Cimo.
According to experts, It's all about reaching out to your local resources for help.