← Latest briefing

US News

Judge orders psychiatric exam for Thomas Markle over alleged child abuse images

CBS News reports that a U.S. judge ordered a psychiatric examination for Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, after his arrest over alleged possession of child sexual abuse images.

The short version

  • CBS News reports a U.S. judge ordered a psychiatric examination for Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's estranged father, after his arrest.[CBS News]
  • Markle, 82, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and made an initial court appearance in Tampa.[CBS News]
  • Judge Lindsay Griffin cited his health condition, advanced age and lack of recall, without providing further details.[CBS News]
  • The Justice Department alleges Markle kept child sexual abuse material in two Los Angeles-area storage units, and Markle denies the claims, calling them 'sick lies.'[CBS News]

Key facts

  • Thomas Markle, 82, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and made an initial court appearance in Tampa on Friday.[CBS News]
  • A U.S. judge ordered a psychiatric examination for Thomas Markle after his arrest for alleged possession of images of child sexual abuse.[CBS News]
  • Judge Lindsay Griffin cited his health condition, advanced age and lack of recall in the order issued on Friday, without providing further details.[CBS News]
  • FBI agents took Markle into custody earlier the same day at the retirement home where he lives in Lakeland, Florida.[CBS News]
  • The Justice Department said Markle allegedly kept child sexual abuse material in two Los Angeles-area storage units he rented for nearly two decades.[CBS News]
  • Markle has denied the claims against him, calling them 'sick lies.'[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • The allegations against Markle are unproven; the Justice Department's account is an allegation, and Markle denies the claims.[CBS News]
  • The outcome of the psychiatric examination is not yet known, and the judge's reasons were given only in general terms.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.