A Randall County grand jury indicted a woman in her husband's October strangulation death, which authorities said involved a "hair wad."

On Oct. 9, Amarillo police were called to Amarillo Motor Inn, 4519 Canyon Drive, on a cardiac arrest call.

Samuel Cheatheam, 65, was declared dead at the motel.

Investigators ruled his death a homicide after finding an "upper airway obstruction with hair wad."

In January, Mary Elizabeth Cheatheam submitted an insanity plea in the case. The plea was struck down after a court-ordered psychologist declared her competent to stand trial. On Wednesday, she was indicted on a murder charge.

"We believe that we can prove at trial that she was the only person present at the time of his death," said Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren. "We believe it is likely that he was somewhat incapacitated at the time and that she took advantage of that situation. It is likely that the evidence will show that there were numerous substances that contributed to his condition."

Mary married Sam Cheatheam in November 1998, records show.

Samuel Cheatheam was booked into Randall County jail on charges of assault on a family member in December 1998.