Husband charged with murder in French jogger's death

PARIS (AP) — The husband of a slain woman who was found strangled and partly burned near her usual jogging route in eastern France has been charged with murder.

Local prosecutor Edwige Roux-Morizot told a news conference Tuesday night that 34-year-old Jonathann Daval was given the preliminary charge of "murdering a spouse." He'd face up to life in prison if convicted.

Attorney Randall Schwerdorffer earlier said Daval strangled his 29-year-old wife Alexia "accidentally" following a marital dispute three months ago.

Jonathann Daval made the confession during questioning by police in custody, his lawyer said.

Daval reported his wife missing on Oct. 28, telling police she hadn't returned from a jog. Her body was found two days later in a wood near their home in the village of Gray-la-Ville, in the Haute-Saone region.

The killing prompted marches and memorial runs in Alexia Duval's honor.

In November, Jonathann Daval appeared distraught and in tears at one march while reading a tribute to his wife.