464 discovery pages presented to defense

The omnibus hearing for Kristina Lynn Welch, the 52-year-old woman charged with deliberate homicide in the Dec. 8 death of her husband that was scheduled Monday, has been moved to 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The reason for the postponement is Welch’s attorney, Jennifer E. Streano, received last week 464 pages of discovery information in the case. The delay is to allow Streano, who is a regional assistant public defender for the major crimes unit, adequate time to review the discovery data.

Typically, the purpose of an omnibus hearing is to determine the admissibility of evidence, including testimony and evidence seized at the time of arrest.

Welch is accused of fatally shooting her husband, Charles Bryan Welch, at their home at 4410 Granite Lake Road on Dec. 8 in the early morning hours. Lincoln County dispatchers received a 911 call 8:45 a.m.

It is alleged Welch used a Smith & Wesson revolver to shoot her husband. The caliber of the handgun has not been disclosed.

Welch faces two counts of deliberate homicide, a felony, which is punishable by life in prison for a term not less than 10 years or a term not more than 100 years. For the charge of deliberate homicide with a weapon, the charges could add a minimum of two years or as much as 10 years, bringing the range for that conviction from 12 to 110 years.

Bail for Welch has been set at $500,000, and as of Tuesday afternoon, Welch still was in the Lincoln County Jail.

The hearing Tuesday will be once again in Judge James B. Wheelis’ 19th Judicial District courtroom.