BECKLEY, W.Va. — Pittsburgh police have 10 days to come and get a University of Pittsburgh researcher who is currently in the Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County.
Dr. Robert Ferrante, 64, waived extradition during a brief hearing Monday afternoon in Raleigh County Circuit Court. He’s charged in connection with the death of his wife Autumn Marie Klein, 41.
Ferrante was arrested last week on the West Virginia Turnpike. His attorney said he was heading north to turn himself in. Attorney William Difenderfer also said Monday Ferrante is adamant he was not involved in Klein’s death.
Investigators allege Ferrante used cyanide to kill his wife. Klein was the chief of women’s neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Monday’s court hearing in Beckley was brief. Ferrante was read his rights by Circuit Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick. The judge then asked Ferrante if wanted to waive extradition and he said he did.
The judge said the transport needs to be take place within 10 days.