Woman gets recommended life sentence for killing husband

A Holts Summit woman accused of killing her husband was found guilty on Friday, with a recommended sentence of life in prison.

Sandra Plunkett first took the stand around 9 a.m. Thursday. The first question was “did you kill Paul?” Plunkett responded yes.

The trial started late because it was delayed for the weather. Opening statements finished Tuesday morning in Callaway County in the murder of Paul Plunkett, who was found dead on New Year’s Day in 2011.

Prosecutors said Plunkett was addicted to heroin and wanted life insurance money to fund her habit. Her defense argued Plunkett was afraid her husband was going to kill her and acted in self defense. They are expected to say Plunkett suffered from battered spouse syndrome.

The jury was chosen from Buchanan County, north of Kansas City.