Woman accused in church murder held for trial

Mary Jane Fonder, 65, of Kintnersville, Bucks County, was ordered held for trial this morning in the shooting death of a fellow church member whom she allegedly considered a rival for their minister's affection.

District Court Judge M. Kay DuBree in Ottsville let stand charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm in the Jan. 23 killing of Rhonda Lynn Smith, 42, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Springfield Township, Upper Bucks County.

DuBree's ruling followed 90 minutes of testimony by four Pennsylvania state troopers. One of the most damning portions of the testimony was a Jan. 23 entry from day planner that Trooper Gregory Stumpo said police found in Fonder's purse. It read: "Rhonda. Murdered. Hairdresser."

Authorities contend that Fonder drove to the church that morning, twice fired a .38-caliber revolver at Smith's head, and then drove to a hairdresser in Quakertown.

Stumpo testified that, in an interview on Feb. 6, Fonder told him "she was upset when she found out the church was helping Rhonda Smith."

Smith, who had battled mental illness, was receiving counseling and spiritual support from the Rev. Gregory Shreaves, along with financial assistance from the church.

After the hearing, Fonder's attorney, Michael Applebaum, downplayed the calendar entry. At that time, "it's clear that people at the church thought Rhonda Smith had been murdered," he said. "That was the scuttlebutt."

He also attacked the quality of the crime scene investigation, saying state police had done "a really poor job" preserving evidence.

"I think that at trial, we'll be able to prove that she's not guilty of this killing," Applebaum said.

He did not suggest alternative suspects.

"I can't wait to hear that evidence," said First Assistant District Attorney David Zellis.

Wearing a red prison jumpsuit, her hands in shackles, Fonder declined comment as she was led from the courtroom. She will remain in Bucks County prison without bail.

Her arraignment in Bucks County Court is scheduled for May 30.