Prosecutors in NY beheading question defense plans

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Prosecutors preparing to try a New York television executive for his wife's beheading say his lawyers have been misleading them.

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita said Thursday his office just found out three battered-spouse experts the defense team had said would testify won't take the stand. Prosecutors want to know who will.

Muzzammil Hassan's (moo-ZAHM'-mel HAH'-sahnz) second-degree murder trial is scheduled to begin Monday. He's been laying the groundwork for a battered-spouse defense with hopes of convincing a jury his estranged wife's 2009 death was justified.

Defense attorney Jeremy Schwartz won't comment on what the district attorney said.

Attorneys are due before a judge for a pretrial conference Friday morning.