The husband of a slain school teacher charged in her murder entered a not guilty plea Wednesday during his arraignment.

Jonathan Crupi appeared before a judge in Stapleton Criminal Court.

His wife, Simonette Mapes-Crupi, was found stabbed to death in their Heartland Village home on July 5.

Crupi's attorney says his client is distraught over his wife's death.

"He absolutely denies all of the allegations and quite frankly, he's surprised at what occurred. We've been cooperating with the police every step of the way from day one," said Crupi's attorney, Mario Gallucci.

"We don't know how it occurred. We don't know what caused it, so there's no closure as of yet. And like I said, it's kind of hard to believe it's my son in law," said the victim's mother, Theresa Mapes.

The victim's family says they have not spoken with Crupi since his wife's funeral.

He's being held without bail and is due back in court on Friday.