A Williams man and a Medford woman have pleaded not guilty to an additional criminal charge tied to the 2022 stabbing death of a woman prosecutors allege the pair intended to rob for drugs. 

Zackary Carl Helwagen, 32, and Hannah Marie Martin, 22, appeared virtually in Jackson County Circuit Court within the past two weeks for their arraignment on a second count of second-degree murder in connection to the March 22, 2022, death of Brittany Lovrovich, 31.

Although Helwagen and Martin both previously pleaded not guilty to the woman’s killing, the additional murder charge was brought under the legal theory that Lovrovich died in the course of a robbery.

Jackson County District Attorney Beth Heckert said in an interview that she could not comment on why her office did not bring the latest charge initially, but she did say, “In reviewing it and preparing for trial, we just realized this additional charge would be appropriate.”

Helwagen’s court-appointed attorney, Michael Bertholf, entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf Tuesday. Helwagen’s plea came after his arraignment was set over twice, including Nov. 13. In an interview, Bertholf said he might challenge the new charge but he needs to do more research.

Martin pleaded not guilty to the new charge last week, according to court records and an interview with her attorney, Lisa Grief. 

During separate court appearances, Martin and Helwagen expressed confusion over the new charge, with Helwagen asking Nov. 13, “Did another person lose their life?” Judge Laura Cromwell told him that’s not what happened, and Bertholf would be able to explain the meaning of the new charge to him.

Helwagen and Martin are expected to face separate jury trials next year in connection to accusations that they met Lovrovich in between Rumors Karaoke and OK Market on Riverside Avenue in Medford, intending to rob her of fentanyl, according to a press release issued from the Medford Police Department at the time. In the course of the alleged robbery, Martin allegedly stabbed Lovrovich, who died at the scene, the release said. Martin and Helwagen fled in a vehicle, but were arrested days later, according to the release.

Martin’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 26, and Helwagen’s next appearance is scheduled for Aug. 12.

Martin is expected to go to trial beginning March 11, and Helwagen’s trial is expected to begin Sept. 9.