Bend judge: Grandmother-smothering case can proceed

BEND, Ore. (AP) – The case against a Bend woman accused of smothering her 92-year-old grandmother can go forward.

Deschutes County Judge Beth Bagley ruled Tuesday that statements Angela Judd made to her social worker in January about the death of Nada Bodholdt were admissible, and she imposed a murder charge.

Judd’s attorney maintained that the conversation was confidential and privileged, and the social worker could not testify under Oregon law.

Bodholdt was initially thought to have died of natural causes. The possibility of foul play only arose when Judd allegedly made the statement to the social worker.

Judd has yet to enter a plea. She is scheduled to do so in May.