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Mental tests ordered for woman accused of killing ex-husband

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January 4th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) ā€” A judge has ordered psychiatric tests for a woman accused of killing her former husband in northeast Iowa’s Buchanan County. On Tuesday the judge delayed the trial set to begin next week and said Hillary Hunziker must undergo evaluation to determine whether she is competent to aid in her defense. She’s pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the Nov. 6 slaying of Jason Hunziker at his home northwest of Independence. Her attorney had requested that the 32-year-old be tested.

A criminal complaint says a child called 911 early on Nov. 6 and said, “My mom just stabbed my dad.” That was followed by a call from Jason Hunziker, who said his former wife had stabbed him. The complaint says deputies later found Jason Hunziker dead in the home.