Serial killer to change plea on 8th slaying

A Massachusetts serial killer already serving life in prison in the slayings of seven women is headed to court to face a murder charge in the killing of an eighth woman. Alfred Gaynor was convicted of killing four women in the 1990s and was serving four life sentences. He pleaded guilty last month in three other slayings and received additional life sentences. Gaynor pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last month in the 1995 killing of Vera Hallums, but a change-of-plea hearing is scheduled tomorrow in Hampden Superior Court. Prosecutors say Gaynor also has admitted killing Springfield resident Amy Smith in 1996 and leaving her 22-month-old daughter to die. Charges are possible in that case once the others are resolved.