A Hillsborough mother accused of killing her two young children made her first appearance in court on Tuesday.

Priyatharsini Natarajan was at the Somerset County Courthouse to face two counts of murder and a charge for possession of a weapon.

The 35-year-old mother, handcuffed and wearing a bright orange coat, didn’t seem to be totally present as she walked into the courtroom. Judge Angela Borkowski had to prompt her multiple times to speak up when questioned. She was there for a detention hearing and Natarajan did agree to stay jailed until trial.

Natarajan appeared sullen and appeared to have bruising about her neck.

A public defender entered a plea of not guilty. Natarajan spoke softly when asked by Judge Angela Borkowski about staying in jail until trial.

“Do you wish to consent to agree to be detained at this point?” asked Judge Borkowsky.

Natarajan responded, “Yes, ma’am.”

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Judge Borkowski agreed that detention was appropriate, noting the evidence is "quite strong.” She also said Natarajan is a flight risk.

The judge reviewed a few of the facts from the case, noting that Natarajan left a handwritten note for her husband explaining how she planned to kill her 5- and 7-year-old sons and then take her own life.

“This clearly shows premeditation on her part. She also made several suicidal statements to her husband and responding officers consistent with those in the note,” said Judge Borkowski.

However, when her husband came home from work last Tuesday, he found both boys deceased in a bedroom. His wife was still alive.

A cause of death has not been revealed by the medical examiner, but the criminal complaint suggests the children were strangled.

The judge said that if Natarajan is convicted, she would be looking at two life terms in prison.

Natarajan did not have any family members in court supporting her.