Self-defense or murder? Pennsylvania woman charged in fatal stabbing headed to trial

BELLEFONTE — Centre County prosecutors have enough evidence to go to trial against a woman accused of killing a man inside her Penns Valley home, a county district judge ruled this week.

Brittany Guisewhite, 28, saw felony charges of third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault move forward after a preliminary hearing. She’s accused of fatally stabbing Robert Farwell, 26, after an argument in Haines Township.

Centre County District Judge Tom Jordan made the ruling after hearing more than two hours of testimony from a forensic pathologist who completed Farwell’s autopsy, a woman who interviewed Guisewhite’s daughter and three state police officers.

28-year-old Brittany Guisewhite has been charged with third-degree murder for the stabbing death of Robert Farwell.

According to the complaint, Guisewhite had a history of drug abuse and paranoia, as well as a tumultuous relationship with Farwell. https://t.co/Ip4oOjW9NG

— Peyton Kennedy (@peytonTVkennedy) October 20, 2021

The altercation unfolded in the pre-dawn hours of April 8 after Farwell arrived at her home unannounced, state police at Rockview wrote in an affidavit of probable cause.

Guisewhite locked herself in a bedroom after the argument, brandished a knife and warned Farwell she would stab him if he moved toward her. He did, and Guisewhite “lunged” toward him and stabbed him, police wrote.

The blow fractured one of Farwell’s ribs, punctured his lung and lacerated his heart, forensic pathologist Harry Kamerow testified. He died of a laceration to his heart.

Centre County Assistant Public Defender Shannon Malone argued Guisewhite acted in self-defense. She told investigators in April that Farwell threatened to “kill her” and tried to enter the bedroom by kicking in the door.

Guisewhite said she moved to the residence along state Route 45 to distance herself from Farwell because he was abusive, lead investigator Tyler Grube testified. She detailed a handful of instances of alleged assault and sexual misconduct.

Her interview with police lasted more than four hours. She offered more than one explanation for what happened inside the mobile home, Grube testified.

Malone declined comment after the hearing.

Guisewhite is also charged with one misdemeanor count each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is detained at the Centre County Correctional Center. Bail is set at $250,000.