The Latest: California dad pleads not guilty in kids' deaths
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Latest on the killing of three California children (all times local):
2:30 p.m.
A father charged with murder in the deaths of his three children has pleaded not guilty.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Yolo County authorities say 32-year-old Robert William Hodges entered the not guilty plea Monday during his first court appearance.
He was charged earlier in the day with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 11-year-old Kelvin Hodges, 9-year-old Julie Hodges and Lucas Hodges, nearly eight months.
Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig said the two older children were killed with a belt but would not say how it was used or give other details, including a motive.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Prosecutors also charged Hodges with the attempted murder of his wife.
Deputy public defender Ron Johnson, who represented Hodges, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}12:53 p.m.
Prosecutors have charged a father with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his children, saying a belt was used in two of the killings.
Prosecutors filed the charges Monday against 32-year-old Robert William Hodges in the deaths of 11-year-old Kelvin Hodges, 9-year-old Julie Hodges and Lucas Hodges, nearly eight months.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig said the two older children were killed with a belt but would not say how it was used or give other details, including a motive.
Prosecutors also charged Hodges with the attempted murder of his wife.
Officials have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty if Robert Hodges is convicted.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hodges is expected to make his first court appearance later in the day. It was unclear if he has an attorney yet.