Father accused of murdering missing children

A man was today charged with the murders of his two children whose bodies have not been found.

Police have said they believe Manuel Gehring, 44, shot the children, 14-year-old Sarah and 11-year-old Philip, in southern New Hampshire on July 4, then buried them a day later somewhere in the Midwest as he travelled to California.

Gehring pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared in court in Manchester, New Hampshire, today.

The father of two children whose disappearance has led to a cross-country search pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of murdering the youngsters.

Gehring, an accountant, had been locked in a custody battle with his ex-wife.

Prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to take Gehring’s case to trial even without the bodies, said Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin.