Man accused of trying to kill wife by burning her will stand trial

MADISON (AP) -- A Madison man accused of trying to kill his wife by burning her will face a trial in Dane County.

Andrew Spear was ordered to trial Tuesday following a preliminary hearing. Madison police Detective Jamie Grann was the only witness. He testified Mary Spear told him her husband picked her up from work Aug. 16, drove her to his woodworking shop at a storage locker, beat her and tried to set her on fire by dousing her with gas.

Prosecutors say Andrew Spear accused his wife of having an affair. The 59-year-old Spear is charged attempted first-degree intentional homicide, false imprisonment, disorderly conduct and battery.

Andrew Spear's attorney, Brian Brophy, says Mary Spear started the fire in the storage locker.  Andrew Spear's bond has been lowered from $507,000 to $107,000.

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