Jury deliberations were delayed in the case of 68 year old Werner Lippe of Cortlandt today due to a death in the family of his defense attorney.

Lippe is charged with Second Degree Murder in the killing of his wife Faith in October 2008. His wife went missing and hasn't been seen since. Officials allege Lippe killed her using a wooden plank and disposed of the remains by incinerating them in a burn barrel in  his backyard.

Prosecutors have suggested Lippe may have had the help of acid used in his jewelry making business.

During the trial, jurors were played a series of recorded confessions made by Lippe, one of which was recorded by a friend of his who was wearing a police "wire." Lippe's attorney claimed the confessions were made due to his client's "paranoia, fear and confusion.

The judge in the case is expected to charge the jury Tuesday morning.

                                                           (Below: Faith Lippe)

This is Lippe's second trial. A judge declared a mistrial in the first one after the jury was deadlocked. Lippe faces 25 years to life in prison if found guilty.