aktuell von gestern:

Just three days after taking a plea deal in a high-profile murder case, former bodybuilder Craig Titus says he did not commit the crime. Titus and his wife, Kelly Ryan, both took deals with prosecutors on Friday, sparing them a trial which was set to begin Monday.

The deal could also spare both from spending the rest of their lives in prison.

Titus said he would not discuss the specifics of the crime he's now admitted to committing, but during the interview he said no crime was committed at all.

On Friday, Titus admitted to second degree murder and kidnapping. His wife admitted to charges of battery and arson. Both were charged in the murder of their assistant Melissa James, who was found dead in the trunk of a burned out Jaguar.

When Titus admitted to murder, prosecutors dropped the murder count against Ryan, making her eligible for a lesser prison sentence. Titus says he took the deal for his wife.

"I took the plea bargain and admitted to something that did not happen, so that my wife can go home," he said.

Titus became emotional as he spoke of his upcoming sentencing, where he said he does plan to take the stand. Titus says he wants to address the mother of the victim.

Titus said he did not want to discuss the specifics of the crime out of respect for the judge and court system. But he was very clear that he did not commit the crimes he has now admitted to committing.

He could be sentenced to 17 to 55 years in prison.