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Retired Pa. Pastor Testifies About Deaths Of 2 Wives

STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A retired Pennsylvania pastor charged with killing his wife has acknowledged cheating on her and lying about it.

But Arthur Schirmer insists he is telling the truth about how his spouse Betty died in a car crash.

Schirmer spent about two hours testifying in his own defense on Friday in Monroe County Court.

He is charged with homicide in the 2008 death of Betty Schirmer. He is charged separately in the 1999 death of his first wife, Jewel.

Prosecutors say he bludgeoned both women and staged their deaths to look like accidents. Schirmer has pleaded not guilty in both cases.

Court has adjourned for the weekend. Closing statements are set for Tuesday.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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