WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The leader of a Kansas commune that lived off the life insurance payouts of its dead members has taken the stand to deny he killed any of them.

Fifty-five year old Daniel Perez said Thursday that he has never claimed to be a seer with magical powers as numerous others have testified. He is charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the 2003 drowning death of 26-year-old Patricia Hughes at the group’s compound near Wichita.

He also denied the accusations of rape, sodomy, criminal threat, lying on life insurance applications and credit applications and sexual exploitation of a child for which he is charged.

Perez contended any sex was consensual, and tried to shift the blame to others.

Both sides rested their cases and closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday.

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The leader of a Kansas commune that lived off the life insurance payouts of its dead members has taken the stand in his own defense.

Fifty-five year old Daniel Perez testified Thursday about his time in Texas where he met the woman he is now accused of killing. He is charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the 2003 drowning death of 26-year-old Patricia Hughes at the group’s compound near Wichita.

Other charges include rape, sodomy, criminal threat, lying on life insurance applications and credit applications and sexual exploitation of a child.

Prosecutors say the group’s wanderings across several states over a 15-year was marked by sexual violence and the deaths of six people. His defense attorney says Perez didn’t kill Hughes, and called the other deaths coincidental.