A JUDGE in a US court will rule next month whether a woman is guilty of the murder of a tourist who was killed in New York State, according to reports.
Denise Webster, from Garswood, died aged 61 on Monday, August 13, 2018 after she was fatally stabbed at Faye Doomchin's house in Great Neck on Long Island.
Denise, who had travelled to America to see an Adam Lambert concert, had gone to the house for cake and piano music after lunch out with Doomchin, mutual male friend Mitchell Kessler and his mother.
Doomchin, 68, of North Road, Great Neck, New York was charged with second degree murder in connection with the stabbing.
Faye Doomchin
The defendant, who has previously pleaded not guilty to the charge, is alleged to have appeared from the kitchen with a knife, headed over to Ms Webster and stabbed her in the chest.
A trial was held last week and according to the US website Newsday, the judge, who presided in the week-long, non-jury trial, will decide if Doomchin is guilty of second-degree murder or not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect.
He is expect to announce the verdict on August 12.
According to Newsday, in closing statements at the Nassau County Court murder trial, Doomchin’s lawyer said the defendant's long battle with schizophrenia and a delusion about being "picked to rid the world of evil" led her to fatally stab Denise.
Victim: Denise Webster
But the prosecution argue that Doomchin intentionally killed Denise.
Doomchin took part in the trial through a Skype video conference link.
It is said to be the state's first hybrid criminal trial, featuring live and virtual testimony.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article