Man accused of killing wife, dogs pleads not guilty

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A man accused of brutally murdering his wife and their two dogs plead not guilty in court on Tuesday.

During Kenneth Wakefield's initial court appearance earlier this month, things got a little strange when he let out a loud howl in the courtroom after prosecutors accused him of repeatedly stabbing and decapitating Trina Heisch in July.

According to court paperwork, Wakefield admitted to the murder and told police he killed their two dogs.

He said the reason for the murder was to "get the evil out" of his wife, Trina. A neighbor discovered the brutal scene and Wakefield also severed one of his arms and gouged out his own eye.

He spent 10 years in a mental hospital after stabbing a relative in 2003.

His wife, Trina, also had a history of mental illness and was accused of trying to stab Wakefield in March.

Family members told police the couple married after meeting at a mental health facility.

Wakefield is facing a first-degree murder charge and two counts of animal cruelty and is being held on a $2 million bond.