Watch CBS News

Man Gets 15 Years In Wife's Totem Pole Death

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) -- A northern Minnesota man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in the death of his wife who was crushed by a totem pole.

Carl Muggli faced a possible life sentence if he had been convicted of first-degree murder. But, he pleaded guilty to unintentional second-degree murder of his wife, Linda, in an agreement with prosecutors.

The 51-year-old Muggli admitted he was arguing with his wife about his Internet romance just before she was pinned under the totem pole the two were carving at their home in Ray.

Prosecutors say Muggli did nothing to help his wife as she was dying.

The Duluth News Tribune says Muggli declined to say anything before he was sentenced in Koochiching County District Court Monday.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.