Hearing in Lisa Nowak Case Delayed

Hearing in Lisa Nowak Case Delayed
NASA astronaut Lisa Marie Nowak, 43, was arrested Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, for attempting to kidnap a woman she believed was romantically involved with another astronaut she was in love with, police said. (Image credit: AP Photo/Orange County Sheriff's Department)

Today's hearing in the Lisa Nowakcase has been canceled in Orlando,prosecutors said.

And another hearing set for Tuesday in Orange Countycircuit court may be canceled, too.

The fired astronaut accused of driving 13 hours to confront aromantic rival was charged with attempted kidnapping, battery anddestruction of evidence. Trial is expected to start in September.

She was charged Feb. 6 after she drove nonstop from Houstonto confront Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman in a parking lot at Orlando International Airport.Arrest records said Nowak wore adult diapers so she wouldn't have to stopduring the drive.

According to arrest records and court documents, Nowak pepper-sprayed herapparent rival for fellow astronaut BillOefelein's attentions in an attempt to getShipman to talk to her.

Nowak was wearing a disguise and had brought with her a BB pistol, knife,medical rubber tubing and garbage bags, the records indicated.

Oefelein, a Navy commander, said he broke off hisrelationship with Nowak in January to see Shipman, who is assigned to CapeCanaveral Air Force Station.

Nowak was fired from NASA but still is with the Navy. She's been reassigned tothe staff at the Chief of Naval Air Training in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Both Nowak and Oefelein could face court-martials forcheating on their spouses, conduct that the military considers unbecoming to anofficer, officials said. Oefelein is divorced andNowak is separated.

Published under license from FLORIDATODAY. Copyright? 2007 FLORIDA TODAY. No portion of this material may bereproduced in any way without the written consent of FLORIDA TODAY

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