ALTUS -- A further preliminary hearing conference has been set in the case of John Wrabel, whose 65-year-old wife Myrna Wrabel experienced what an autopsy report called a "violent, unusual and unnatural" death last April.

John Wrabel, 65, appeared with his attorney Brad Leverett on Wednesday before Special Judge Suzanne Mollision. He is charged with domestic assault and battery in the April 7 beating of Mrs. Wrabel at the family residence, 15836 S. County Road 206. Mrs. Wrabel died April 10 at Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton.

An autopsy report completed July 28 by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner states that the probable cause of death of Mrs. Wrabel was blunt force head trauma. Yet the report, written by Jeffery Gofton, M.D., summarizes that, "It appears from the medical record information by the patient on how the injuries were received are somewhat conflicting, and does not appear to be clear whether the injuries to the head and other bruises were inflicted, or received in an accidental circumstance, such as a fall. Therefore, the manner of death will be listed as undetermined. Should other information that can clarify this situation be presented, the manner of death may be re-evaluated."

The next preliminary hearing conference for John Wrabel is set for 9:30 a.m. April 22.