Utah man denies part in Idaho triple slaying

POCATELLO (AP) - A Utah man is denying involvement in a 2013 triple slaying at a dog-fighting and marijuana operation in rural eastern Idaho.

Severo Luera, 35, of Tremonton, Utah, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in 6th District Court to conspiracy to commit murder and three counts of aiding and abetting first-degree murder.

The bodies of 62-year-old Brent L. Christensen, his 32-year-old son Trent Jon Christensen, and Trent's 27-year-old girlfriend Yavette Chivon Carter were discovered in April 2013 at a property outside Holbrook.

Carter and Trent Christensen had two daughters, a 2-year-old and an infant, who were found in the home unharmed. They were placed with family.

Oneida County Sheriff Jeff Semrad said he believes the killings were gang-related. It's not clear if authorities are getting close to making additional arrests.

Cash and 38 marijuana plants valued at $95,000 were in the house where the killings took place. More than 60 pit bulls were at the property, some of them being boarded by Brent Christensen for other people, police have said.