Man Accused In Pregnant Woman's Death Could Face Second Murder Charge

Tuesday, December 4th 2007, 7:35 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A woman whose body was found in a shallow grave last week was between 22 and 26 weeks pregnant, the state medical examiner's office confirms. That means the man accused of killing her could face a second murder charge. The body of Lauren Barnes was found last Friday in the Stinchcomb Wildlife Preserve and the medical examiner's office says she was asphyxiated.

Chief Investigator Kevin Rowland also confirms the pregnancy and says anything beyond 20 weeks is considered a viable pregnancy under state law.

Eric Phan has been arrested on a murder complaint in connection with Barnes' death although formal murder charges have not been filed. Messages left with Phan's attorney haven't been returned but the attorney has said he won't discuss the case until he gets a report from investigators.