Hutch woman bound over for trial in first degree murder trial

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 27-year-old woman charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and aggravated intimidation of a witness was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing.

Jamie Hatfield is accused in the death of 38-year-old Mary Ann Arnett, whose body was found in a creek bed near Nickerson back on June 22.

On the stand Monday afternoon was a woman who was present at the home who we’ll identify as H. J. She wasn’t inside when the initial fight between Jonathan Wilson and the victim occurred, but did come inside and says she could hear the victim trying to breathe as he lay on the floor.

She also testified to an earlier conversation when there was discussion of getting rid of the victim. There was even talk of getting a 243 pistol with Wilson stating that he needed to take care of a problem.

According to H.J., Hatfield had apparently had sent text to the victim that night asking her to come over to help with her kids. But, the kids had been put to bed prior to Arnett even arriving.

H.J also testified that after they removed the body from the home, she was ordered by Hatfield to clean up the blood or she might be next. She testified that she didn’t call for help for the victim because she didn’t have her phone, but in other testimony stated she had put a couple of post on Facebook.

She also told of talking to Hatfield after they got rid of the body where she stated that the victim wasn’t dead, so they had to strangle her some more at the creek near Nickerson.

Earlier in the day Reno County Sheriff Detective Diana Skomal testified about the finding of the body in the creek near 43rd & Riverton. She says the body was face down in the water and appeared to have two cords wrapped around her neck. Arnett died of strangulation but also had a stab wound to her left eye.

As to how they connected the death to the home at 811 North Van Buren, she says they received a Crime Stoppers tip that they should talk with individuals at that location.

This case also led to the police shooting of 22-year-old Jonathan P. Wilson. He was shot to death by police after reportedly admitted that he murdered someone. That led to the confrontation with police and him being shot and killed back on June 23.

With Hatfield being bound over, arraignment in the case will be on April 4.