Monday, June 20, 2011

North Adams, MA: Mass. man expected to stand trial in wife's deathMass. man expected to stand trial in wife's death

PITTSFIELD, Mass.—A North Adams man facing a murder charge in his wife's death three years ago is expected to stand trial in September.

Eugene Shade's attorney says attempts at plea deals have been unsuccessful in the case, in which the 37-year-old man is charged with murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Shade is charged with strangling his estranged wife, Julie Burdick Shade, in July 2008. She died eight days later from her injuries at Berkshire Medical Center.

Police said Shade told them he "snapped" while discussing their separation. He called 911 and later turned himself in to North Adams police. Authorities have said the couple had two daughters, ages 1 and 3.

Shade appeared in Berkshire Superior Court for a brief hearing last week and was being held without bond.

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