Ex-pastor in US accused of killing 2 wives

LEBANON, Pennsylvania (AP) - A retired Pennsylvania pastor insists both of his wives died accidentally. Prosecutors call him a liar - and a killer.

Already facing trial in the death of his second wife, Arthur Burton "A.B." Schirmer is now charged with killing his first wife, too, after a grand jury concluded her injuries weren't consistent with a fall down the stairs, prosecutors announced on Friday.

District Attorney David Arnold declined to discuss a motive, but a grand jury report said that Schirmer, 64, had been unfaithful to his first wife, Jewel Schirmer, throughout their 31-year marriage. Court documents also said the couple had financial difficulties.

Schirmer's attorney said his client denies involvement in either of his wives' deaths, and released a statement from the three adult children of A.B. and Jewel Schirmer that said their father is innocent of all charges.