Under questioning by defense attorney Michael Studebaker, Strom denied abusing Karin Strom, despite being peppered with questions about witnesses who had spoken of Karin having bruised eyes and other indications of domestic violence.

Benson, meanwhile, testified he did not believe Strom when he said he never abused Karin because Benson said he had interviewed too many witnesses who said otherwise.

Benson said Steve Strom was believable on some things, but "Mr. Strom is not credible on the abuse."

Strom also said under oath that he "had suspicions" that Karin Strom had a boyfriend during their brief separation, but Strom said he was not really sure of the nature of that relationship.

The preliminary hearing also revealed that Strom for the past 28 years possessed two rugs police apparently did not confiscate from the crime scene. Strom said he tried unsuccessfully to give them to the FBI because he was wary of the Woods Cross police. Strom said he also tried to give the rugs to the Davis County Sheriff's Office in 2004.

While in Strom's possession, the rugs have been stored in plastic bags in a storage shed for a number of years.

Owens' next court date is Sept. 18.

Studebaker and Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings said the case involves considerably more information than was made public at Friday's hearing that will be made public at trial.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com