Accused murderer set for trial Monday

A woman accused of murdering an 86-year-old during a robbery attempt is set to go to trial Monday.

Erin Nicole Barnes

Erin Barnes, 30, was found competent to stand trial at a hearing Thursday. The trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, but negotiations are ongoing, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Chip McKay said.

Barnes is charged with wanton murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, possession of marijuana, third-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, and possession of legend drugs.

She is accused of trying to steal a wallet from the home of Julia Auberry at 131 Sunset Drive July 22, 2011. At the time, a witness told police that Auberry followed Barnes into the driveway, attempting to recover the wallet. Auberry was standing inside the open passenger door of a truck when Barnes allegedly backed up the truck, dragging her.

Auberry died two months later, with head injuries sustained in that altercation cited as the cause of death.

ERIN L. MCCOY can be contacted at emccoy@kystandard.com.