NORTHWOOD, Iowa --  A Worth County judge has convicted a man
of sexually assaulting his wife, who was found dead the next day in
the couple's home in Manley.
     The Globe Gazette in Mason City  says
28-year-old Tyler Wirtjes was found guilty on two counts of
third-degree sexual abuse. The verdict was issued Friday by Judge
James Drew. No sentencing date was set.
     Wirtjes was accused of sexually assaulting 27-year-old Brigett
Wirtjes after she consumed alcohol and passed out on Dec. 5, 2010.
Brigett Wirtjes was found dead the next day. The cause of her death
is undetermined.
     Two other men also are charged. Trials are pending for Zachary
Patterson and Jason Walker. Each is charged with one count of
second-degree sexual abuse.