OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma City woman accused in the death of her wife was in court on Wednesday.

The hearing was the first step toward a trial for Crystal Ewertz.

Last September, police said a domestic disturbance escalated into a deadly encounter.

Sabrina Ewertz, Crystal’s wife, died following an accident in September of 2015.

Police said she was thrown from the hood of a vehicle, which was driven by Crystal.

Three witnesses were called during Wednesday’s hearing, including a friend who found Sabrina in the road, where she died.

Crystal was trying to leave when the defense said Sabrina threw herself on the hood of the car.

Crystal sat quietly through the hearing and was often overcome with emotion.

The defense said the two women had argued before the accident and claim Sabrina had a gun and Crystal believed her life was in danger.

The judge decided there is enough evidence to have Crystal bound over for trial on an alternative charge of either first-degree manslaughter or leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a fatality.

As the family of Sabrina left the courtroom, they hugged and began to cry.

“Very, very emotional. We’re very happy with the judge’s decision,” said Holly Ewertz, Sabrina’s sister.

“We expected this reaction from the judge. Probable cause hearings are not jury trials,” said Jacqui Ford, Crystal’s attorney. “It’s just unfortunate, situations like this, where accidents happen, and it’s even charged as an accident. She’s not a bad person. She certainly didn’t mean it. I don’t think anyone in that courtroom thought so. So, we look forward to seeking justice for her in the future.”

Sabrina’s family said this tragedy will hopefully bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.

“It’s not just between man and woman. It’s between woman and woman and man and man,” Holly said.

This case will now go to a pretrial conference in Judge Elliott’s courtroom on April 27.