The Lodi man accused of killing his estranged wife and fleeing the state with their children has pleaded not guilty.

John Jordan was arraigned on murder and weapon charges.

He's accused of stabbing his 39-year-old estranged wife Tracey Jordan to death and then fleeing with his kids to South Carolina.

His two young sons were safely recovered and are staying with an aunt.

"Very, very difficult," says Tracey Jordan's brother-in-law Robert Kugler. "It's only because we're together supporting one another that we're going to get through this. We continue to pray for Tracey and we continue to pray for the two young boys."

John Jordan has been in custody in Bergen County since he was extradited. He's being held on $3 million bail.