The murder trial of Deborah Elaine Wilkins has been postponed until Friday because the defendant broke her ankle Tuesday night.
Wilkins is on trial in Chattooga County, accused of killing her boyfriend, William Robert Packer. She faces charges of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault.
Wilkins was scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday morning. Her trial already was set for a short day because snow was expected to hit Summerville. The trial also began late Tuesday because of snow.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office says Wilkins shot Packer five times the morning of June 14. She didn’t call the police for about 13 hours.
“I’ve got a dead body here,” she supposedly told Chief Deputy Kevin Woods that afternoon, “and I’m tired of looking at it.”
Wilkins’ attorney, Public Defender David Dunn, told the jury during his opening argument Tuesday that his client killed Packer in self defense. He said that Packer had been rambling about killing other people, including his landlord, Calvin Brooks, and his attorney, Albert Palmour.
Dunn said that Packer was going to kill Wilkins because she knew his plans.
Court records show that Packer had a history of violence in his home at 2646 John Jones Road. He opened fire at his wife’s feet during a May 2007 argument. They later divorced, and Wilkins moved in with him.
In April 2010, Packer pressed a Colt .45 against Wilkins’ head and accused her of eating his food, drinking his beverages and sleeping with other men.
Six months later, Packer shot and killed his friend, James “Pee Wee” Kirby, on his front steps.
Packer claimed self defense in that case.
Two jurors acquitted him in two different trials, most recently in April.
Contact staff writer Tyler Jett at tjett@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6476.
From the future, March 4, 2015: