Mom-to-Be Says She Had to Kill Attacker

ByABC News via logo
February 13, 2005, 10:19 AM

Feb. 13, 2005 — -- A nine-months pregnant Kentucky woman said she had no choice but to fight off a knife-wielding person who police believe was trying to steal the fetus.

Sarah Brady, 26, ended up killing the other woman, 22-year-old Katie Smith, who investigators say had been deliberately deceiving friends and family into believing that she was pregnant. Police determined Brady acted in self-defense in killing Smith, and no charges were filed.

In her first interview after the ordeal, Brady told "Good Morning America" she struggled for several minutes to wrest the knife from Smith before killing her.

"The only thing I thought was that she was going to kill me and my child," said Brady.

Brady said she had no idea she was walking into a trap when she went to the home of Smith, who allegedly lured Brady to her apartment by claiming she had accidentally received some packages meant for the pregnant woman.

Two days before the visit, Smith -- using the alias "Sarah Brody" -- called Brady and said she had baby gifts meant for her, said police. Smith said she was also pregnant and had signed up at the same baby registry.

Brady stopped by the apartment on Feb. 10, but said she became suspicious when she saw some paperwork with the name "Katie Smith" on it.

"That's the point I knew something was wrong," said Brady.

Brady said she was getting ready to leave when Smith came over to her to give her a hug.

"That's when she pulled out the knife," said Brady.

According to Brady, Smith threatened to kill her, but she fought back.

"She was able to knock the knife out of her hand and it ultimately hit the floor for a short time," said Fort Mitchell police Officer Steve Hensley.

But police say Smith retrieved the knife and again tried to stab Brady, who managed to turn the knife on her attacker.

"I was able to get the knife away from her after several minutes of struggling," said Brady. "Unfortunately, she was wounded and didn't make it."