San Juan Island resident Kevin Patrick Taylor, 53, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of Murder in the Second Degree-Domestic Violence and one count of Malicious Mischief in the First Degree–DV for allegedly bludgeoning his wife to death with the barrel of a rifle in their Friday Harbor home.

According to Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord, Taylor is being charged with two counts of murder in the second degree because that crime cant be committed in two ways: intentionally without premeditation or during the course of another felony, which in this case is assault.

“The purpose of charging both at this time is to provide notice to him that we will be presenting the case in this way,” said Gaylord.

Bail was set at $1 million. Taylor is being represented by San Juan County Public Defender Colleen Kenimond and Mark Kaiman of Bellingham.

An omnibus hearing is set for Oct. 14; a readiness hearing is Nov. 4; and a 10-day trial is scheduled for Nov. 14.