NATCHEZ — The woman accused of murdering a Natchez man made her first court appearance Monday.

Mary L. McQuarters, 52, 317A Dumas Drive was arrested just after midnight Sunday morning on charges of murder in relation to the death of her boyfriend Pete Jackson, 52. She was set to be arraigned Monday morning, but did not enter a plea Monday because she had not had access to counsel since her arrest.

Appearing before the court in a yellow Natchez City Jail jumpsuit and wearing a head covering, McQuarters was informed of her legal rights and was appointed an attorney by Municipal Court Judge Jim Blough.

Blough set an Oct. 16 preliminary hearing for McQuarters’ case, but noted the hearing may have to be moved back because there may not be adequate time to prepare before that date.

Blough also set McQuarters’ bond at $75,000.

Blough made a provision to McQuarters’ bond that she could not post it until after Jackson’s funeral.

Natchez Police responded at 5:50 p.m. Saturday to a call at McQuarters’ and Jackson’s Dumas Drive address, where they found Jackson dead in the bedroom, apparently killed by a blunt force to his head.

Jackson also reportedly had a puncture wound to his left wrist, and blood was found in three rooms in the house.

Neighbors reported hearing a fight at the house at approximately 11 p.m. Friday.

McQuarters was reportedly the one who called in the death to the police.