Fairfield woman charged in husband’s shooting death back in court today

The woman accused of the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband will be in court this afternoon.

Subha Katel, 43, was charged Aug. 13 with negligent homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor, three days after what family members called a "horrific accident," and the day after Tika Katel died.

Her family told the Journal-News they believe the Katel will either be acquitted or the charges will be dropped.

Family members spoke with the Journal-News after Katel’s August arraignment. They said the couple, who had been together for 26 years, were living the American Dream and “loved each other.” They moved to Fairfield less than a year ago, and moved to southwest Ohio from Nepal several years before.

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Police say Katel was handling a handgun belonging to a cousin who was visiting Tika Katel’s ill mother on Aug. 10 at their Sigmon Way home. Police say the gun fired and the bullet struck the Tika Katel, 57, in the head. He was transported to Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital, then to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died on Aug. 12.

Tina Barrett, attorney for Subha Katel, wouldn’t comment on the case but said today's hearing “is an informal meeting between the prosecutor and the defense attorney to discuss the position of the state on the charges and evidence.”

There are a number of possible outcomes in today's hearing, including a trial date being set, a plea being entered or the hearing is continued. Also, investigating police officers, and others involved, can be subpoenaed to attend.

Barrett said that sometimes police officers and others involved are subpoenaed to attend, and many times the hearing is continued if more information is needed, or an issue arises. Other possible outcomes for Wednesday’s hearing include setting a trial date or entering a plea.

“Best I can offer is that one of those will happen,” Barrett said.

Last month, Fairfield Municipal Court Judge Joyce Campbell ordered Subha Katel wear an electronic monitoring device around her ankle. She also surrendered her passport and is regulated to travel only in Ohio.

 

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