Sigler pleads not guilty to new charges

DIXON – A Dixon man already charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of his wife pleaded not guilty in Lee County court Wednesday to two additional first-degree murder charges.

Brian C. Sigler, 35, is now indicted on a total of three counts of first-degree murder after a grand jury met July 18.

Additional counts of the same charge are often added using different wording, so that attorneys can give jurors options when deciding whether to convict.

Authorities say that on Jan. 13, 2013, Sigler strangled his wife in their home before stabbing himself repeatedly with a knife. He was found bleeding in their upstairs bathroom by police after their son called 911.

Court documents say the fight between Sigler and his wife was sparked when he discovered sexual text messages on her cell phone. The contents of those texts has, to this point, been barred from being presented at trial.

Sigler is in Lee County Jail on $2 million bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 10.