Husband to Stand Trial in Wife's Death That Was Made to Look Like an ATV Crash

A Pennsylvania judge says there's enough evidence for a central Pennsylvania man to stand trial in the slaying of his wife -- a crime prosecutors say the defendant tried to cover up.

Prosecutors claim 41-year-old Joseph Fitzpatrick III of Felton killed his wife and made her death appear to be the result of an ATV crash into a creek.

After three hours of testimony Tuesday, District Judge John Fishel sent the homicide charge to York County Court.

Prosecutors said Fitzpatrick stood to collect more than $1.7 million in life insurance from the death of his wife, Annemarie.

Police said Annemarie Fitzpatrick left a signed note on her daily planner at work under the date she died -- June 6, 2012 -- that read: “If something happens to me -- JOE.”

Fitzpatrick's lawyer, Christopher Ferro, didn't immediately return a call for comment.

Copyright The Associated Press
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