Sire Records founder testifies in NYC murder trial

(AP) — Sire Records founder Seymour Stein is helping Manhattan prosecutors detail his ex-wife's last day alive — and the activities of the personal assistant accused of murdering her.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member testified at Natavia Lowery's trial Thursday that he spoke briefly to his former spouse, Linda Stein, at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2007. He said when he called Stein again six hours later, Lowery answered and said she was out running.

Prosecutors say she actually was dead after a beating by Lowery. Lowery denies killing Stein, a real estate broker who had co-managed the Ramones.

Seymour Stein says testifying marked "a very sad day for me."

He's known for signing such acts as Madonna and the Talking Heads.