BUFFALO, N.Y. – An 83-year-old New York woman has pleaded not guilty to beating to death her 89-year-old husband.
Phyllis Eson of the town of Tonawanda, north of Buffalo, appeared on a charge of manslaughter in state Supreme Court Tuesday. She's accused of killing Norman Eson in their home July 6.
An autopsy showed he died from head trauma.
The manslaughter charge implies that Phyllis Eson didn't set out to kill her husband, but did intend to injure him. Authorities haven't released exactly how he died.
Phyllis Eson's lawyer, Daniel Grasso, indicated he may pursue a psychiatric defense. He wasn't immediately available after the arraignment to comment further.
Erie County Assistant District Attorney Colleen Curtin Gable says two exams have concluded Phyllis Eson is competent to stand trial.
She's being held without bail.
