Apple Valley Man Convicted Of Killing Pregnant Wife

HASTINGS, (AP) - Jurors in Dakota County have convicted an Apple Valley man on all charges in the death of his pregnant wife.

The jury deliberated 11 straight hours and found Roger Holland guilty as charged in the strangulation death of Margorie Holland, who was 15 weeks pregnant.

The 37-year-old defendant did not visibly react when the verdict was read about 1 a.m. Tuesday. Some of the victim's family members cried quietly.

Holland was found guilty of two first-degree and two second-degree murder charges, which carry a sentence of life in prison without parole. Defense attorney Marsh Halberg says Holland was disappointed and surprised by the verdict.

Under state law, the first-degree murder conviction will be automatically appealed to the state Supreme Court.