An 80-year-old woman known as the “Black Widow” for killing and poisoning men who were her intimate partners will continue to live under conditions imposed on her when she was released from a Nova Scotia prison last month.
When Melissa Ann Shepard left the women’s prison in Truro, N.S., on March 18, police issued a warning to the public, saying she is considered a high risk to reoffend.
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She had served her full sentence – just under three years – for spiking her newlywed husband’s coffee with tranquilizers in 2012. Shepard pleaded guilty to administering a noxious thing and failing to provide the necessities of life after Fred Weeks, 75, became ill during a brief trip to Newfoundland.
She did not appear in court in Halifax Monday as lawyers met in court to set Oct. 18 for a hearing to discuss conditions of the peace bond.
Under its terms, Shepard is required to report to police any potential relationship with a man, keep authorities aware of where she is living, and inform police of changes to her appearance.
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The 22 conditions also include restrictions on her use of the Internet.