Hearing Delayed for Roxborough Woman Charged With Murder

The preliminary hearing for a Roxborough woman charged with the murder of a 70-year-old special needs patient was delayed Wednesday until later in July, the District Attorney's Office said. In addition, the defendant must undergo a psychiatric evaluation, according to court records.

Geraldine Cherry, 50, faces murder charges for the June death of Kathleen McEwan, 70, at a Parker Avenue apartment complex in Roxborough where they both lived. Police originally said McEwan died of natural causes, but her death was later attributed to asphyxiation. A lodged in her throat, and the medical examiner ruled it a homicide. 

On Wednesday, Cherry was scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Judge David C. Shuter in Municipal Court. According to the District Attorney's Office, that hearing was delayed until July 31.

Court records indicate Cherry is undergoing a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. NewsWorks.org reported that Cherry experienced seizures since her arrest and records said she is hospitalized, under police custody.

Cherry, who is blind, lived at 300 Parker Ave. complex with McEwan, who was a special needs patient. Both were clients of , a human services nonprofit.

The July 31 hearing is scheduled in Room 306 at Municipal Court.