The Ventnor woman accused of killing her mother and grandmother now faces additional charges in the case.
Heather Barbera could be indicted on charges including felony murder, when the case goes back before a grand jury next week, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Anne Crater told the judge Thursday.
Barbera, 42, is accused of fatally beating 67-year-old Michelle Gordon and 87-year-old Elaine Rosen on July 7, 2018, inside the Vassar Square condominium the three shared.
She had been set to go to trial Oct. 8, but that has not been pushed back more than a month.
Plea negotiations are ongoing in the case, with the defense expected to present a counter offer to the state, according to information discussed in court Thursday.
Those numbers have not been made public.
Barbera already faces two potential consecutive life terms if convicted of murder. The felony murder charge also carries a maximum life sentence.
But with murder, intent must be proven. Felony murder is a death that is the result of the commission of another crime. Barbera also faces robbery charges in the case.
Attorney Matt Leonard said he may file a motion to have Barbera's statement to detectives thrown out. But the defense was waiting for a transcript of the statement since it could be "self-serving," he told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury.
A statement could possibly back the argument for a lesser charge.
Leonard said if the a motion to suppress is filed, it would be done by Friday.
Barbera is due back in court Oct. 31, but could be before the judge sooner for an arraignment, if she is indicted next week.
The trial is now set for Nov. 12.
