Minnesota Man Denies Killing Pregnant Wife

HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) - An Apple Valley man has taken the witness stand at his murder trial to deny killing his pregnant wife.

Roger Holland acknowledged lying to his wife, Margorie, about having a job. But Holland insisted Friday that he did not kill her.

Holland is charged with murdering his 37-year-old wife and her 15-week-old fetus in March. Reports say Holland stuck to his claim that he believes she fell down the stairs of their townhome apartment while he was away.

The medical examiner says Margorie Holland died of strangulation.

Holland testified that scratches on his neck and arms were from rough sex with his wife. And he said a series of Internet searches about broken necks stemmed from a Vince Flynn novel.

Closing arguments are scheduled Monday.