Pocono News Section

Wolfgang Withdraws Plea, Will Stand Trial for Murdering His Wife

Wolfgang Withdraws Plea, Will Stand Trial for Murdering His Wife - Monday, September 28, 2009 at 5:50PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Sep 28, 2009 @ 05:50pm EDT
SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY -- There's a new twist in a Northumberland County murder case. Steven Wolfgang will now go to trial for killing his wife.

That's a surprise because four months ago he pleaded no contest to third degree murder charges.

A judge accepted Wolfgang's request to withdraw his guilty plea at a hearing late Monday afternoon. He was supposed to be sentenced at that hearing, but now the District Attorney says he'll go to trial, and prosecutors want the death penalty.

Steven Wolfgang left court in Sunbury minutes after proclaiming his innocence in front of a judge. That's a surprise because four months ago he pleaded no contest to third degree murder in connection with the death of his wife Sherry.

Agie Mowery was best friends with Sherry Wolfgang. She is happy there will be a trial so justice can be served.

ÒI think I'd rather see a trial than just him being sentenced because I'm hoping it will be a longer sentence than what he would have gotten,Ó she told Eyewitness News.

Wolfgang's parents were in court Monday. They declined to comment. Friends of his victim say it was hard to see him.

ÒItÕs hard to look at him. I don't even try. I keep my head turned around," added Mowery.

Prosecutors say Wolfgang killed his wife by crushing her ribs with his knees after an argument in their Mt. Carmel home.

After the murder investigators say he put her body in a metal box and dumped it into Mahanoy Creek.

A massive search took place. Her remains washed up months later.

Sherry's friends say these two years have dragged on. ÒItÕs very difficult. ItÕs still difficult. Every day she's in my mind," said Mowery.

Steven Wolfgang spoke briefly on his own behalf in court as he professed his innocence. Prosecutors do not expect this case to go to trial before next year.