Reiser pleads not guilty in wife's slaying

Oakland computer programmer Hans Reiser pleaded not guilty last friday to murdering his estranged wife in a case that could go to a jury next month after he exercised his right to a speedy trial.

Reiser's hearing in Alameda County Superior Court lasted less than a minute. His attorney, William Du Bois, said Reiser, 43, was not waiving his right under state law to be tried within 60 days.

"It's his desire to go to trial immediately," Du Bois said outside court. Prosecutors said the move was unusual for a defendant charged with murder.

Reiser pleads not guilty in wife's slaying.