Sugar Notch man to stand trial for mother's slaying

James Halpin, The Citizens' Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·1 min read

Feb. 25—A Sugar Notch man will stand trial on criminal homicide charges alleging he murdered his mother in a drug-induced haze, a magistrate ruled Thursday.

Erik M. Watkins, 39, is accused of killing his mother, 60-year-old Patricia Watkins, during an attack at their home at 301 Maffett St. early the morning of Dec. 13.

Police said Erik Watkins admitted he woke up after smoking marijuana and heard a "higher power" telling him to attack his mother. Erik Watkins said he blacked out during the assault but remembered striking his mother in the face repeatedly with his hands and feet, according to police.

Investigators found Patricia Watkins dead in a bathtub, her face "caved in" and barely recognizable.

Following a hearing Thursday morning, Magisterial District Judge Joseph A. Halesey bound over a charge of criminal homicide for trial.

Erik Watkins continues to be held without bail at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

Contact the writer: jhalpin@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2058