Prosecutors have decided to not seek the death penalty against a southeastern Pennsylvania man facing trial in the stabbing death of his wife.
Thirty-six-year-old Walid Mitwalli of Hatfield Township in Montgomery County is charged with first- and third-degree murder in the June 7 slaying of his 30-year-old wife Mona.
Mitwalli pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of first- and third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime.
Prosecutor Kevin Steele said investigators could not find sufficient aggravating circumstances to legally support a death sentence.
Police said Mona Mitwalli was stabbed at least 15 times as the couple's 5-year-old twin daughters slept upstairs.
Defense lawyer John McMahon Jr. said Mitwalli will wage a self-defense claim at trial.
