Saturday, December 25, 2010

Shawnee, OK: Pottawatomie County prosecutor says man will face murder charge in wife's death

Shawnee man is accused of stabbing his wife Dec. 14. She died Wednesday.

BY ANN KELLEY akelley@opubco.com
Published: December 24, 2010
SHAWNEE — A Shawnee man may face a murder charge in connection with the stabbing death of his wife of 50 years.
Linda Carol Hilburn, 67, died Wednesday at OU Medical Center.
Her husband, Rexford Earl Hilburn, 71, is charged in Pottawatomie County District Court with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, but the complaint is expected to be amended Monday.
District Attorney Richard Smothermon said he intends to file a first-degree murder charge against Hilburn now that the man's wife is dead.
“Justice demands it, regardless of the circumstances,” Smothermon said.
The couple's granddaughter, Amy Wollard, said her grandfather is suffering from mental health problems and would never intentionally hurt his wife.
Hilburn is being held in the county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
The stabbing occurred Dec. 14 in the Hilburn's home at 4617 Gracelann.
Authorities allege Linda Hilburn was in the bathroom when her husband attacked her with a kitchen knife.

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