Saturday, July 31, 2010

Springfield, OR: Springfield Man Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Wife's Murder

By Heather Hintze

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- A Springfield man is behind bars in connection with his wife's death nearly five months ago.

On March 5th, police responded to an emergency call at this house on Rivertree Way in Springfield. They found the body of 62-year-old Andrea Wiggins in a hot tub. Her husband William Wiggins is now charged with murder.

"Anytime you get an event like this you want to make sure you have all the information you possibly have, and we had a story at the time that didn't make sense with the evidence we were shown, and it took us a while to put that together," said Sgt. David Lewis.

Nearly five months later, William Wiggins is behind bars, charged with the murder of his wife Andrea. Her death was initially ruled a homicide in March after the autopsy.

"The autopsy report revealed Mrs. Wiggins died of strangulation and fresh water drowning," said Lewis.

Officers say there is indication the two were having marital problems.

"Some of it was financial, some of it was motivational," said Lewis.

At the time of her death, Andrea was assistant dean for advancement in the College of Education at the University of Oregon, a position she held for 11 years.

"Massive loss. Andrea was beloved. I can't think of anybody who didn't think the world of Andrea. She was our greatest cheerleader, our greatest advocate, and she was fun to be around," said College of Education Dean Mike Bullis.

Even though she's gone, Andrea leaves a legacy behind on the University of Oregon campus, through her work to help students get the best education they can.

"She raised more than $30 million for us to build the new HEDCO Building which is the most technologically advanced building on campus and to renovate these historical buildings. She was also passionately committed," said Bullis.

Wiggins plead not guilty at his arraignment this afternoon. He is scheduled to appear again for his 35-day call.

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