Mental defense possible in state school board member's slaying
Jason Williford, who is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree forcible rape in the March 9, 2010, death of Kathy Taft, is expected to go to trial March 5.
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During a routine hearing Thursday, defense attorneys for Jason Keith Williford, 31, gave notice to the court and prosecutors that they might argue that he had a diminished mental capacity when he allegedly raped and repeatedly beat Kathy Taft on the head last year.
Taft, 62, of Greenville, was recovering from surgery at a friend's home in Raleigh when the crime happened on March 6, 2010. She died three days later.
Williford, who is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree forcible rape, is expected to go to trial March 5.
Investigators haven't offered a motive for the crime but have said they do not believe that Taft knew Williford.
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