BURLINGTON — The Massachusetts man accused of slaying his wife 20 years ago in Verona returned to Boone County on Friday night to stand trial in her death.

William Major, accused of killing his wife 20 years ago in Verona, is wheeled into the Boone County Detention Center on Friday. (Enquirer photo) | ZOOM |

        William Major, 57, of Fairhaven, Mass., was extradited after a warrant was signed by Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton.

        Mr. Major is charged in Kentucky with murder, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse. He had been held without bail at the Bristol County Jail in Dartmouth, Mass., since June 25.

        Authorities have said they think Mr. Major shot his wife, cut off her head and knocked out her teeth and jaw to make it hard for police to identify the remains. DNA from a skull thought to be that of Helen Marlene Major matched samples taken from Mrs. Major's daughter.

        Mrs. Major was last seen the night of Oct. 10, 1980, at her trailer home on Warehouse Road in Verona. About a week later, Mr. Major left the state with his two children. He was later convicted in Rhode Island of sexual assault and served time in prison there.

        The children returned to Kentucky, where they lived with their mother's relatives.

        Mr. Major's daughter helped police build the case that led to his arrest, authorities said.
       

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