Shana Hope Soliz, 45, pleaded not guilty Monday to murder in the stabbing death of Paul Mottinger, 59, at her Hoquiam home back in November.

At her arraignment in Grays Harbor County Superior Court, Soliz also waived her right to a speedy trial.

Soliz has undergone mental evaluations to see if she is capable of participating in her own defense. Earlier this month, competency evaluation findings were sealed because of a medical disorder after it was disclosed in court that the evaluation indicated she was competent to stand trial.

According to documents from earlier assault cases involving Soliz, she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was found to have use disorders with opioids, stimulants and cannabis.

The goal is to begin her trial before the end of August. The County Prosecutor’s office anticipates such a trial against Soliz would require up to five days of court time. “Not more than that,” said Prosecuting Attorney Katie Svoboda.

The original start time for a trial would have been at the beginning of July. Not only does the added lead time allow the Prosecutor’s office to complete another murder trial, that of Jacob Eveland (charged with murder and arson in an Elma case), it also allows more time to determine the availability of witnesses for Soliz’s trial, said Jason Walker, deputy prosecuting attorney.

Superior Court Judge David Edwards asked Soliz if she understood what she had agreed to, and Soliz stated that she did.

Edwards also asked her how she was doing.

She initially replied that she was OK but also told him, “I’m having a really hard time.”

Hoquiam Police say Soliz and Mottinger were living together at the time of the incident. On Nov. 21, Soliz allegedly began stabbing Mottinger with a hunting knife inside the home, then followed him outside to the street and continued stabbing him. She went back inside the home after she stopped her attack against Mottinger, who was found alive, but later died. Soliz was taken into custody after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement, according to previous reports.

If Soliz is found guilty, her sentence could be at least 20 years, Walker said after the arraignment.

Attorneys will meet with Edwards on March 13 to discuss the case.