Judge denies bid to change charge in Iowa killing

A judge has denied a bid by prosecutors to amend the murder charge against a Burlington man accused of killing his ex-wife and setting her house on fire.

Des Moines County prosecutors wanted to amend the charge against Dennis Richards from second-degree murder to first-degree murder in the death of Cyd Richards last January. His trial is set for Dec. 1.

Judge Mary Ann Brown denied the motion, but she says prosecutors can file a first-degree murder charge against Richards in a new trial document.

Prosecutors could dismiss the second-degree murder charge and refile it as first-degree murder, or proceed to trial as it stands.

Court records show Richards plans to use self-defense, insanity, diminished responsibility and intoxication as possible defenses.

-- Associated Press