Salem woman’s trial in mother's death postponed again

By D.a. Wilkinson

LISBON — The trial of a woman who is charged with involuntary manslaughter after being accused of letting her mother live in filth has been postponed again.

The trial, which had been set to start this week, has been rescheduled for Oct. 6 at the request of defense counsel who could not be reached to comment.

Robin S. Jackson, 48, of East Third Street, Salem, faces a possible three to 10 years in prison if she is convicted on the charge.

She also faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of failure to provide for a functionally impaired person.

Jackson was taking care of her mother, Shirley Nutter, 70, from 2006 to 2007, at Jackson’s home.

Jackson was indicted after her mother was found dead in a bedroom in Jackson’s house March 6, 2007.

Nutter was bedridden for several years. Jackson is free on bond.

Court documents contend that Jackson did not get her mother adequate care for an incisional hernia of her abdominal wall, and failed to provide clean bedding and clean bedclothes that led to ulcerations that measured from half an inch to an inch on her body.

The court documents also say that Nutter’s bedding had been soiled with fecal matter that provided a breeding ground for insects that bit the woman.

The prosecution also is contending that Jackson also did not provide her mother with adequate food and proper dental care.

Tim McNicol, the assistant Columbiana County prosecutor handling the case, said Monday that Nutter’s medical problems could easily have been addressed.

The case has been slowed because of procedural issues.

Jackson, who has pleaded not guilty, originally wanted to pay for her defense with the help of other family members.

However, that proved to be too expensive for the family, so Judge C. Ashley Pike of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court appointed defense at state expense to defend Jackson.

The defense has asked for reports from expert witnesses on Jackson. Officials involved in the case indicated that the reports had not been forthcoming.

One of the defense lawyers, Doug King, could not be reached.

wilkinson@vindy.com