KINGMAN (AP) – A former police instructor pleaded not guilty to killing his wife and setting fire to their southern Kansas home.

Brett Seacat pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder Friday in the April 30 death of his wife, Vashti, at their Kingman home. His trial was scheduled to begin April 23.

The former Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center instructor also pleaded not guilty to arson and two counts of aggravated child endangerment.

Seacat and his wife were divorcing when she was killed and their house set on fire. The couple’s 2- and 4-year-old sons were in the house but escaped with their father.

Seacat’s defense has claimed his wife committed suicide.