A Superior Court judge this morning allowed a Portland woman, charged with the murder of her husband, to go free on bail as she awaits a Jan. 20 trial date.

Laureen Rugen, 49, stabbed Chris Rugen, 61, with a butcher knife at their Maggie Lane home on April 8.

She claims self-defense at the hands of an allegedly abusive husband. Prosecutors say the evidence does not support the notion that Laureen Rugen was defending herself.

Rugen, who suffers from a form of Parkinson's disease that causes involuntary shaking, will live with the Dominican sisters at the Community of the Resurrection in Casco.

Rugen agreed to abide by several conditions set by Justice Robert Crowley at Cumberland County Superior Court, including a prohibition on drugs or alcohol. She has been held since the killing at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland.

"I'm hoping she never has to go back into custody," said her lawyer, J.P. DeGrinney of Portland.

Lisa Marchese, the assistant attorney general prosecuting the case, objected to the release of Rugen. She said it's rare for a person charged with Class A murder, punishable by 25 years to life in prison, to be released on bail.

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