Police in Southern California found a wife's severed head and body parts cooking on a stove

A 68-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to killing his wife after police found her severed head and body parts cooking at their home in Southern California.

Police said they responded to neighbours' complaints about a foul odour from the couple's home in Vista on Friday.

An officer who entered through a window said he saw three pans on the stove containing parts of 73-year-old Anna Faris. Her head was in the freezer.

Deputy district attorney Katherine Flaherty said there was as yet no evidence of cannibalism.

U-T San Diego said Frederick Hengl has entered his not guilty plea. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of all charges.

He was being held on five million dollars' bail.

PA