Family wants answers in woman's killing

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The murder suspect's bond was set at $500,000.

By PATRICIA MEADE

VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER

YOUNGSTOWN — The family of Katherine Favors is having a hard time understanding why the 50-year-old woman was stabbed to death.

"We have no idea what happened. We just want justice," Favors' 40-year-old brother, Mark Young of West Chalmers Avenue, said after the suspect was video arraigned today in municipal court. "Two families are hurting because of this unfortunate crime."

Favors was stabbed around 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the East Auburndale Avenue home she shared with Ernestine D. Gowdy, 44, who was charged with murder after questioning by detectives.

Municipal Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly set Gowdy's bond at $500,000 and a preliminary hearing for Sept. 27. If convicted, Gowdy faces 15 years to life in prison.

Gowdy appeared to choke back tears during her arraignment. She told the judge she receives government assistance and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. The judge will appoint a lawyer to represent Gowdy.

Criminal record

Bret Hartup, an assistant city prosecutor, told the judge that Gowdy has an extensive criminal record and has used 13 aliases and three dates of birth.

Detective Sgt. Ron Rodway, who is investigating the homicide, said Gowdy's criminal history includes robbery, assault, tampering with records and at least 20 theft arrests. He said Gowdy confessed the stabbing, which was the result of a domestic argument.

Rodway said there had been some talk about Favors' possibly leaving Gowdy. He said both women had been at a party earlier Saturday evening.

Young, wiping tears from his eyes as he talked to reporters after court, said his sister leaves four children and several grandchildren. Two of the children, Jasmine Favors, 17, and Michael Favors, 32, stood by as he talked.

Michael Favors said his mother and Gowdy had lived together only for about six weeks.

"All of us had just met her," Young said.

Witnesses told police they heard a loud argument and one witness heard the suspect scream "I killed her, she's dead, she's dead." Gowdy was then seen leaving in a white car with her 9-year-old daughter.

Gowdy later returned to the house she shared with Favors and was questioned by officers on the scene. She was arrested around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

meade@vindy.com

Monday, September 18, 2006