Woman pleads guilty to fatally stabbing roommate

SOUTH BEND — A 42-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to stabbing her longtime roommate after a heated argument at their home. Connie Bumgardner was scheduled for trial later this month but instead pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, a Class A felony in the death of 51-year-old Michele Papio. Police found Papio mortally wounded Feb. 6, 2009, at the York Road home she shared with Bumgardner. Bumgardner was also found at the home after having taken an overdose of medication in an apparent suicide attempt, according to past reports. The plea agreement includes a binding sentence of 36 years in prison with four years suspended to be served on probation, according to a release sent Tuesday. Bumgardner will be sentenced March 3 at 8 a.m.