Montco Woman Accused Of Stabbing Stepfather To Stand Trial On Murder Charges
By Jim Melwert
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Norristown woman accused of the stabbing death of her stepfather will stand trial on Third Degree Murder charges, despite an argument from her attorney that the allegations might support manslaughter, but not murder.
According to prosecutors, 24-year-old Shakira Hayward stabbed her stepfather, 37-year-old Kenneth Bullock in his calf as he walked up the stairs after the two had an argument on March 9. Bullock died from the wound. And, at Hayward's preliminary hearing prosecutors presented evidence they say shows Bullock was walking up the steps to get away from the fight with his step daughter.
But Hayward's attorney, Matthew Quigg questioned the charge of third degree murder, arguing Bullock, who Quigg points out is a foot taller and about 300 pounds heavier than the defendant -- kept grabbing at her as he went up the steps:
"She wasn't seeking to kill him at all, she wasn't seeking to stab him in the chest, even taking everything in a light most favorable to the police and the district attorney, she was defending herself."
The district judge sided with the prosecution and held all charges, including third degree murder and voluntary manslaughter over for trial, with a formal arraignment set for May 25th.
