The Merrick newlywed accused of killing her husband was indicted on a first-degree manslaughter charge Friday after a grand jury failed to indict her for murder earlier in the week.

Kelly Forbes is accused of strangling her husband Michael, 50, with an electrical cord. The 29-year-old Trinidad native was arrested on Thanksgiving Day.

Forbes? lawyer, Anthony Capetola, says Michael Forbes was a violent man with an extensive criminal record that included rape and implied he had physically harmed her.

Forbes pleaded not guilty to the charges. Capetola says once all the facts are out, his client will be exonerated.

District Attorney Kathleen Rice says the investigation by her office and the police department?s homicide squad is far from over. Judge Frank Gulotta set bail at $200,000. Capetola says Forbes will make bail and stay with her family. She is due back on court Dec. 5.

Related Information: