Woman accused of bludgeoning death likely headed to trial

ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) — A case in which a Maine resident is accused of killing an elderly woman will likely head to trial.

Police charged 37-year-old Sarah Richards of South Thomaston with bludgeoning 83-year-old Helen Carver of Owls Head to death in February. Richards pleaded not guilty to murder and theft.

The Bangor Daily News reports Richards' attorney says a plea agreement was not reached during a settlement hearing in Portland last week. The trial date has not yet been set yet.

Richards is being held without bail at Knox County Jail. Carver hired her to shovel walkways and driveways last winter. Carver then told police she believed Richards had stolen her debit card. One of Carver's sons later found her unresponsive at home.

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This story has been corrected to show in the short headline the person charged is a woman, not a man.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangordailynews.com