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MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Prosecutors anticipate a North Dakota man accused of killing his three daughters will plead not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Aaron Schaffhausen faces three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of attempted arson in the deaths of his daughters, 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie and 5-year-old Cecilia. Police found the girls dead in their River Falls home last month.
Assistant Attorney General Gary Freyberg wrote in court filings that he believes Schaffhausen will enter a not guilty plea by reason of mental disease or defect when he is arraigned next week.
Schaffhausen's attorney, John Kucinski, told the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram newspaper several weeks ago that he plans to show Schaffhausen was delusional and depressed before the slayings. He declined to comment when reached by telephone Thursday.
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St. Croix County (WQOW) - Another charge is filed against the man accused of murdering his three daughters in River Falls.
Aaron Schaffhausen is now charged with attempted arson. That's in addition to the three counts of first degree murder filed last month for the deaths of his daughters. They ranged in age from five to eleven.
The attempted arson charge stems from allegations that responding officers smelled gasoline fumes in the basement and found a gas can tipped forward, allowing gas to pour out.
Schaffhausen is due in court on Tuesday. He's expected to enter a plea to the charges at that time.
