Opening statements are scheduled today in the case of a former law enforcement officer charged with killing his wife.  Thirty-Seven year old Bret Seacat is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated arson and child endangerment.

He is accused in the April 2011 shooting death of Vashti Seacat, who had filed for divorce 16 days earlier. Her body was found in the burned home along with a pistol. The defense contends she set the fire and committed suicide.

Seacat was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center at the time. He is also is a former Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputy.