A North Scranton woman accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend nearly two years ago may finally get her turn before a jury.
Rebekah Hayes, 31, has been locked up at the Lackawanna County Prison since city police charged her in September 2011 with criminal homicide and three other offenses for plunging a knife into the chest of her boyfriend, Antwoin Woodards, 28, at their 207 Oak St. apartment.
Her trial is scheduled to get underway Sept. 23, according to an order handed down by Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle at a pretrial hearing on Friday.
Jury selection begins Sept. 16.
Psychological evaluations of Ms. Hayes is one reason why the case has been delayed, among other factors, Deputy District Attorney Gene Riccardo and Ms. Hayes' attorney, Matt Comerford, said at the hearing.
At trial, Mr. Comerford said he intends to make a self-defense argument for Ms. Hayes.
The couple had a history of domestic violence altercations. Mr. Comerford said he will explore the impact that had on her state of mind at the time of the stabbing.
Mr. Comerford asked a psychiatrist to evaluate her and he intends to present those findings at trial, he said. In reaction to this line of inquiry by the defense, the prosecution requested a psychological evaluation and will also present those findings at trial, Mr. Riccardo said.
Both sides discussed working out a plea deal, although those talks ultimately produced no agreement, Mr. Comerford and Mr. Riccardo said.
According to city police, Ms. Hayes stabbed her boyfriend after an argument erupted about an alleged sexual encounter Mr. Woodards had with another man.
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