NJ Man Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Beating Of Wife

HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Hackensack, New Jersey man has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the fatal beating of his wife last year.

Thomas Fabbricatore, 65, is charged with first-degree murder as well as a weapons offense and hindering his prosecution by providing false information. He remains jailed on $2 million bail.

Fabbricatore was initially charged with attempted murder, but charges were upgraded after his 58-year-old wife, Elizabeth, died from her injuries.

On Monday, Fabbricatore's lawyer, Frank Lucianna, asked state Superior Court Judge Liliana DeAvila-Silebi to recuse herself, but the judge denied the motion.

Lucianna also previously moved to have the trial moved out of Bergen County, but has since withdrawn that motion.

Lucianna maintains Fabbricatore did not intent to hurt his wife, saying she fell and hit her head on the floor when they pushed each other during a "domestic spat" on Nov. 12, 2013.

Authorities responded to the couple's home that day after receiving an anonymous tip. They said Fabbricatore told them there was nothing wrong, but police found his wife on the floor with grave injuries.

Back in February, Lucianna had unsuccessfully sought to have his client's bail lowered, claiming the amount was excessive.

The judge denied the request, citing Fabbricatore's long history of domestic violence against his wife and other issues.

Bergen County prosecutors have said the defense is downplaying the incident, noting that the evidence would show Elizabeth Fabbricatore had "suffered years of abuse" from her husband.

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