NH man arraigned in ex-wife's death

SEABROOK, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man who told reporters he had nothing to do with his ex-wife's death and invited police to search his home was held without bail Wednesday, accused of slashing her throat and leaving her body in a long-vacant concrete plant.

Earlier this week, Aaron Desjardin said he and Amanda "Amy" Warf had moved on after divorcing last year and were working out final parenting arrangements for their nearly 1-year-old son, William.

But on Wednesday, Desjardin was silent as he was arraigned in a Seabrook courtroom and held without bail.

Warf's body was discovered last week by Exeter firefighters as they put out a fire at the concrete plant that had been vacant for more than 20 years. The plant isn't far from where Warf worked at Exeter Hospital.

Prosecutor Susan Morrell told Judge Mark Weaver that Desjardin, who worked as a chef, intentionally severed Warf's carotid artery.

After the hearing, Morrell declined to identify the weapon used, saying the case file remains sealed. She also declined to discuss a possible motive or say if authorities believe Warf was killed in Exeter or elsewhere.

Morrell would also not say who is taking care of the couple's young son, except that he is with family.

"We've been able to bring some closure to the family," Morrell said.

None of Warf's family members were in the courtroom. She was also buried Wednesday.

Desjardin, of Epping, who has since remarried, was ordered to have no contact with his wife, Sarah Desjardin, his sister, Michelle Corson, and his former mother-in-law, Nancy Warf. Morrell said they are possible witnesses.

Desjardin, 36, was arrested Tuesday following days of statements denying involvement in the killing. He and Warf had been married for seven years and divorced 13 months ago.

"I have nothing to do with my ex-wife's death," Desjardins told Foster's Daily Democrat earlier this week. "She is the mother of my son."

Over the weekend, Desjardins repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and his willingness to let police search his home, saying he had nothing to hide. But it was not long after police were seen removing bagged items from the home that Desjardins was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

As he was escorted into the courthouse — his wrists and ankles shackled — Desjardin remained largely silent in the face of a barrage of questions from the media. He uttered a single "no" when asked if he had anything to say. He was silent after the brief court session, when he was escorted back to the police cruiser to be returned to jail.

Desjardins' public defenders — Deanna Campbell and Tony Naro — did not object to his being held without bond.

He is scheduled to return to court March 20 for a probable cause hearing.

Cox Media Group