Ala. man wants charge dismissed in bride's death

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An Alabama man accused of killing his wife during a honeymoon diving trip in Australia has asked a judge to dismiss murder charges.

Gabe Watson's attorneys asked a judge this week to dismiss the charges because they are the result of what they said was vindictive prosecution by state authorities. Attorney Brett Bloomston also argued in motions that prosecutors don't have jurisdiction to pursue charges because Watson has already been convicted and punished in Australia.

The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He served 18 months in an Australian jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of his wife of 11 days, Tina Watson.

Alabama authorities charged Watson with capital murder, arguing he planned her death and sought insurance proceeds in his home state.

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Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews