Police officer pleads not guilty to killing ex-wife

A Neptune Township police sergeant accused of chasing and fatally shooting his ex-wife as their young daughter watched was arraigned in Monmouth County Court Wednesday afternoon. Sgt. Phillip Seidle

News 12 Staff

Jun 18, 2015, 2:30 AM

Updated 3,423 days ago

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A Neptune Township police sergeant accused of chasing and fatally shooting his ex-wife as their young daughter watched was arraigned in Monmouth County Court Wednesday afternoon.
Sgt. Phillip Seidle pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and endangering the welfare of a child.
Prosecutors say that on Tuesday morning Seidel chased his ex-wife Tammy Seidle in his car for several miles before shooting her several times in front of their 7-year-old daughter, who was in his car at the time of the shooting. The situation unfolded on Sewall Avenue in Asbury Park.
Seidle's attorney argued to get the $2 million bail lowered, claiming his client was not a flight risk. However, First Assistant Prosecutor Marc LeMieux says the case is clear-cut and the prosecution would be seeking life in prison for Seidle. The judge agreed to keep bail at $2 million.
Seidle's attorney also said his client has no prior offenses, including for domestic violence. The prosecution says this is untrue, but would not elaborate.
The Seidles' divorce was finalized at the end of May. Friends of Tammy Seidle say she tried to get multiple temporary restraining orders against her husband, but they were denied.
News 12 New Jersey is attempting to confirm that information.