BRENTWOOD, N.H. -- Accused murderer Sheila LaBarre will try to convince a judge Tuesday that she is insane and should be committed to the state hospital instead of prison.
Prosecutors plan to fight LaBarre's plea in Rockingham County Superior Court, saying her sometimes-erratic behavior shouldn't allow her to dodge first-degree murder charges.
"The state does not accept that Sheila LaBarre was insane at the time of the murder," Assistant Attorney General Kirsten Wilson said. "We anticipate having a full trial on that matter and putting it before a jury."
LaBarre, 49, of Epping, is accused of killing Kenneth Countie, 24, of Wilmington, Mass., and then incinerating his body on March 24, 2006. She faces life in prison with no chance of parole.
But if a judge were to agree with her insanity plea, a commitment to the state hospital would be reviewed every five years for a possible release, or fewer restrictions than round-the-clock supervision.
Peter Eleey, a lawyer and Countie family spokesperson, remained circumspect about LaBarre's bid.
"The family will be at the hearing and we will wait and see how it goes," Eleey said. "We may have something to say after the hearing."
