Trial Starts For Man Charged With Murdering Estranged Wife

The trial for a man accused of stabbing his estranged wife to death in 2009 began Monday and is expected to continue through April 1.  

Aaron LaRose, 34, was charged with murder in the first degree and armed criminal action on July 7, 2009.

According to St. Charles County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Philip Groenweghe, Aaron LaRose and his estranged wife, Jill LaRose, were scheduled to be in St. Charles County Court for divorce proceedings on June 24, 2009.

Jill LaRose left the courthouse at 1:08 p.m. that day, five minutes after Aaron LaRose left the courthouse. She had been on the phone with her sister when the conversation was abruptly cut off at 1:24 p.m., said Groenweghe.

Later in the afternoon, Jill LaRose was found dead in a drainage ditch in a farmer’s field off of Dalbow Road in northern St. Charles County. Jill LaRose had three stab wounds and choke marks on her neck, said Groenweghe.

Aaron LaRose plead not guilty to the charges. Jury selection in the trial started on March 28. St. Charles County Circuit Judge Nancy Schneider said she anticipates the trial finishing by April 1.

 Schneider approved a request on March 28 from LaRose to waive his right to receive a sentencing recommendation from the jury, if he is found guilty. Instead, the Schneider would impose a sentence.

LaRose could face up to life in jail without the possibility of parole if found guilty of murder in first degree and three years or more if found guilty of armed criminal action. The state is not seeking the death penalty in this case.