Rebecca “Rorie” Woods is a 55 year old consumer-rights activist from Hadley who allegedly injured multiple sheriff officers last year by releasing angry bees during a Longmeadow eviction.
She was arraigned in October 2022 and charged with five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of disorderly conduct.
If convicted, she could be sentenced to prision for up to five years.
Yesterday Ms. Woods appeared in Springfield District Court for what was scheduled as a “probable disposition.” She and her attorney likely anticipated presenting a plea to the judge for his consideration.
Instead, Ms. Woods fired her court-appointed lawyer and is now proceeding (most likely to trial) without any legal representation.
In his motion to withdraw from the case, Ms. Woods’ lawyer wrote that
There is a breakdown in communication between me and the defendant. I see no way of resolving our differences.
He added, during the hearing that
A new set of eyes may look at this differently and may agree with her.
According to Masslive, Woods wants to take her case to trial and she is prepared to do so with or without counsel.
The judge presiding at the hearing told Ms. Woods that
This case is coming on a year old. And it’s got to go either to trial or trial readiness and it has to be resolved.
Th next scheduled court date is October 13, 2023.