PORTSMOUTH (AP) -- A woman was arraigned yesterday on charges she murdered a former Massachusetts man at her horse farm in Epping, then burned his body.
Sheila LaBarre, 47, was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge in Portsmouth District Court, then returned to the Strafford County jail pending a probable cause hearing in Exeter District Court on April 25.
No plea can be entered at a district court arraignment, but following the brief appearance her lawyer, Jeffrey Denner, said LaBarre "steadfastly maintains her innocence" in the death of Kenneth Countie, 24.
Denner said he and his legal team met with LaBarre at the jail for several hours Monday, but had not seen any of the prosecution's evidence. He described LaBarre as "in shock -- she's traumatized by all this."
"Her reaction is consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder," he said. He declined to say whether he would seek a psychiatric evaluation for LaBarre.
LaBarre was arrested Sunday in Revere, Mass., two days after authorities issued an arrest warrant. Police say LaBarre had cut and colored her hair and was carrying marijuana and several thousand dollars in cash.
Denner played down speculation that LaBarre was carrying cash and had changed her appearance -- she dyed her hair red with purple streaks -- because she was trying to evade police.
"The last thing I'd do is put purple streaks in my hair ... it's like drawing a target on yourself," Denner said, adding that the money was hers. "I think she was depressed and wanted to change her hair color."
Countie, who recently moved to New Hampshire from Wilmington, Mass., had been staying on LaBarre's farm for less than a month when he was reported missing, according to prosecutors. He was last seen March 17 and investigators say he was killed about four days later.
Countie's mother, holding a formal portrait of her son in military uniform, broke down crying when the murder charge was read. The family did not speak to reporters after the hearing.
Assistant Attorney General Peter Odom declined to answer questions about Countie's military service or discuss his background, except to say he was from a "strong and loving family."
Odom said investigators continue searching LaBarre's 115-acre farm. He declined to say what has been found so far. The arrest and search warrants and affidavits have been sealed.
Denner said LaBarre and the victim knew each other and that Countie spent a lot of time at the farm. "They certainly had a very cordial relationship," he said.
Neighbors, other court documents and family have said LaBarre was involved in many tumultuous relationships. They said Countie was among a succession of young men who came to work and live at her horse farm.
In 1999, LaBarre was charged with, but ultimately not convicted of, second-degree assault, according to Rockingham County Superior Court documents. The charge alleged she stabbed a boyfriend in the head with scissors.
