Trial delayed again for woman charged with killing husband

The trial for a Whitfield County woman accused of shooting her husband in the head as he slept was postponed again this week.

Police charged Rita Spurgeon, 50, with murder last June after her husband, Audie, was found dead in his bed.

The trial, originally scheduled in February, was reset to begin this week, but Conasauga Judicial Circuit District Attorney Kermit McManus asked to delay it one more time.

McManus said he was ready to proceed until he received an extensive witness list from Public Defender Mike McCarthy last week and didn't have time to prepare.

The trial is now scheduled for Sept. 26.

Rita Spurgeon first told investigators that an intruder had broken into the couple's home at 335 Maple Grove Road, shot her husband, then fled. Authorities said she later admitted to pulling the trigger after further questioning.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.

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