‘Internet black widow’ delays signing of peace bond because of medical question

HALIFAX – Lawyers agreed today, Oct. 31, to a two-week delay before an 80-year-old woman who killed and poisoned her intimate partners will sign a two-year peace bond.

Melissa Ann Shepard's lawyer Mark Knox appeared briefly at provincial court in Dartmouth, N.S., today to arrange for her to come back to court on Nov. 15.

Crown attorney James Giacomantonio said outside court that Shepard is still expected to sign the peace bond, but he has to review some medical documents that involve how and when she contacts police.

Shepard — also known as the "Internet black widow" — is challenging conditions imposed on her when she was released from prison in March after serving a full sentence of just under three years for spiking newlywed husband Fred Weeks's coffee with tranquilizers in 2012.

Under the conditions, Shepard was required to report to police any potential relationship with a man, keep authorities aware of where she is living, report weekly to police, and inform them of any changes to her appearance.

In August, Shepard pleaded not guilty to violating previous imposed court conditions by allegedly using a computer at the Halifax Central Library. Her trial has been scheduled for Feb. 1.