BUCKHANNON – A local judge has granted a continuance in the trial of a woman who was indicted by an Upshur County Grand Jury for solicitation of murder and three additional felony charges.
Jaymie Wright was indicted in January 2022 for three counts of attempting to kill or injure by poison and one count of solicitation of murder, all felonies.
According to court records, Wright allegedly attempted to kill or injure the victim by placing various substances in his “food and/or beverages.” Wright allegedly attempted to administer aconite, a type of poisonous plant, on one occasion; “medication” on another occasion; and potassium on a third occasion.
The indictment also states that Wright “willingly and knowingly instigated or induced [a third party] to kill [the victim].”
The court conducted a pretrial hearing on Thursday, Aug. 4, during which Wright’s attorney Tom Dyer requested a continuance because he was waiting on medical information pertinent to the case.
Judge Kurt Hall informed the defense that would mean the trial would not take place until December 2022, whereas without the continuance, jury selection would begin on Aug. 15. The defense said they understood a continuance would require the trial to commence in December. Hall asked if the prosecution had any objections, and they did not.
Hall allowed the continuance and jury selection is now scheduled to begin Dec. 12.
The defense also requested a modification to bail to allow Wright to visit her children. Hall said he needed to consider the request and would rule on that motion at a later date.
