Court appearance set for woman accused in husband's death

GUYMON, Okla. (AP) _ The case of a Kansas woman who is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her husband can't proceed until she gets an attorney, a judge

Monday, August 23rd 2004, 6:02 am

By: News On 6

GUYMON, Okla. (AP) _ The case of a Kansas woman who is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her husband can't proceed until she gets an attorney, a judge says.

Jackie L. Spaulding is scheduled to appear in Texas County District Court Monday afternoon. Spaulding, 66, of Liberal, Kan., didn't have counsel during her initial court appearance on Thursday.

Mike and Robert Carlile of J&R Sand found Roger Spaulding, 79, dead June 15 at his residence near Tyrone. Investigators believe he was killed June 14.

The Carliles discovered Roger Spaulding lying face up in a pool of blood in a barn, court records show. Roger Spaulding would've celebrated his eighth year with the company on June 17.

He died of two gunshot wounds to the head, an autopsy report showed.

Assistant District Attorney Buddy Leach accused Jackie Spaulding of luring her husband to his home for the purpose of having him murdered.

Jackie Spaulding was arrested June 24 in Liberal in connection with her husband's killing and extradited back to Oklahoma.

Sheriff Arnold Peoples said the Spauldings were still married but hadn't been living together for several years.

Roger Spaulding had been living temporarily at a Liberal motel because of two fires on his property and periodically went to Tyrone to make repairs.

Associate District Judge Ryan Reddick told Spaulding she had a right to a hearing about bail, which was refused.

Jackie Spaulding said her attorney in Liberal, Greg Swanson, is trying to help her get counsel in Guymon.

``I would like for you to make contact with Mr. Swanson that you'll have representation in Oklahoma,'' Reddick said. ``We won't proceed on anything on this case until you have counsel.''