Woman will not spend time in prison after fatal stabbing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A woman involved in a fatal stabbing outside a Charlotte bar will not spend time in prison.

Katie Robinson pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter Thursday in the death of Antoinette Baker at Hartigan's Pub in December 2011.

The prosecutor said the two women were fighting, but conflicting stories from witnesses made it difficult to say who started the fight.

As part of the plea deal, Robinson will spend time on probation, but she won't go to prison.

Later, Baker's family and friends said they can live with that decision.

"We don't hate her. I do believe at the end of the day that God is going to be her judge and jury," said Retina Hogue.

"She took responsibility for killing Antoinette Baker and I think that at the end of the day, that's what we wanted, was for somebody to take responsibility," Hogue said.

Baker's mother sobbed as she looked at pictures of the six children Baker left behind.  She said she will now focus on raising them.

"I have to be OK because if I'm not, who's going to be there for them?" Tammy Hunt said.

Robinson did not comment on the plea deal, but she wiped away tears as she listened to Baker's family describe their pain to the judge.

She will have to pay Baker's family $1,745 to cover her funeral expenses.

WSOC