A Gainesville woman was indicted on a malice murder charge relating to a 2014 stabbing death.
Ofelia Barrera-Rodriguez, 49, was charged Nov. 12 in alleged connection to the death of Iris Romero-Banegas the year before.
Romero-Banegas’ body was found with multiple stab wounds Dec. 28, 2014, in a Hidden Knoll home in North Hall by Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies
Authorities said they questioned Barrera-Rodriguez after trace evidence from the Dec. 28, 2014, scene was tested at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
“We’re reviewing the case and conducting our own investigation of everything,” Barrera-Rodriguez’s attorney Matt Leipold said. “Ms. Barrera maintains her innocence. She’s not a murderer, and we look forward to having the opportunity to present this case to a jury of her peers.”
Investigators previously testified at Barrera-Rodriguez’s committal hearing that Romero-Banegas was the new girlfriend of Barrera-Rodriguez’s ex-boyfriend.
According to the warrants, Barrera-Rodriguez allegedly confronted Romero-Banegas at her Hidden Knoll home.
In addition to the malice murder charge, the grand jury indicted Barrera-Rodriguez on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault. The aggravated assault charge in the indictment claims Barrera-Rodriguez cut and stabbed Romero-Banegas with a knife.