BUTLER, PA. Hearing is set in castration death

The castration was performed at the couple's mobile home.
BUTLER, Pa. -- A preliminary hearing for the Harrisville woman accused of castrating her husband -- an offense authorities said contributed to the 40-year-old man's death -- is set for Tuesday.
Tammy Felbaum is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and practicing medicine without a license in connection with the death of 40-year-old James John Felbaum.
The 42-year-old woman, a transsexual, told police she had performed a similar procedure on herself several years ago.
Tammy Felbaum, who was charged and arraigned Tuesday following a two-week investigation, is being held at Cambria County Jail. Bail was not set because homicide is a nonbondable offense, authorities said.
Issue of intent: On Tuesday, Butler County District Attorney Tim McCune said authorities believe the woman never intended to kill her husband.
According to a coroner's ruling, Felbaum died Feb. 25 of asphyxiation caused by aspiration of stomach contents into his lungs. The coroner said the castration, which was performed Feb. 23 at the couple's mobile home about five miles east of Grove City, combined with drug use, also contributed to the his death.
Authorities said Tammy Felbaum told them her husband had initiated the castration on himself and then asked his wife to help him finish what authorities have called "a very crude operation " that involved the removing of Felbaum's testicles, which police said haven't been found.
However, an Ellwood City pathologist said it is "highly unlikely" Felbaum performed the procedure on himself.
Police confirmed that an acquaintance of Felbaum's had stopped by the couple's trailer a few days before Felbaum's death to ask about buying a van. The man told police he saw Felbaum, who had stitches on his genitals, in bed and offered to take him to the hospital, but Felbaum refused -- saying he couldn't afford it.