Husband pleads not guilty to murder charges in wife's slaying in North Arlington

HACKENSACK, New Jersey -- A northern New Jersey man accused of killing his wife has pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges.

Eric Pleger entered his pleas Monday during a brief court appearance in Hackensack. He remains jailed on $2 million cash bail, an amount the judge said would not be changed.

The 45-year-old North Arlington man is charged in the death of his 47-year-old wife, Luisa. Her body was found Friday in the couple's apartment after police were asked to do a welfare check on her.

Prosecutors announced Monday that Luisa Pleger died from multiple blunt force trauma to the head. They say a blunt object used as a weapon during the killing was found in the apartment, but didn't disclose further comment.

The death was ruled a homicide. A motive for the slaying has not been disclosed.