Michael Ratley Tells Jury He Didn't Kill His Wife

NASSAU COUNTY, FL -- Michael Ratley took the stand in his own defense and denied killing his wife or being the mastermind of her murder.

Ratley is accused of killing his wife, Effie, one month after he claimed he pulled her and their baby from their burning home in Bryceville in December of 2006.

Earlier, Michael Ratley's mother spent most of the morning on the witness stand as the defense began its portion of Ratley's murder trial.

She told the jury how her son loved Effie.

She said the day before Effie was found with her fatal injury, Michael said he got knocked out by an intruder in the barn, and had a big knot on his head.

Deputies searched the area at that time.

The following day, she said Michael's father bought security lights and motion detectors, and got one light installed before Effie's murder.

She told the jury she heard Michael scream, went into the room and found Effie bleeding.

During the cross examination, prosecutor Bernie Delarionda challenged Ratley as to why when he discovered his wife's bloodied body, Ratley's parents went to her immediate aid but he did not.

Ratley told the court, "I panicked."

Ratley went on to testify that his memories of what happened after discovering his wife bleeding and unconscious are very confused.

A final witness for the defense is expected to begin testimony at 8 a.m. Thursday to be followed by closing arguments.

The case is expected to go to the jury sometime Thursday.

If convicted of killing his wife, Ratley could face the death penalty.

Also today, Ratley's defense team asked for a mistrial. The request was denied.

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