ALBANY, N.Y. - A former U.S. Marine facing extradition to the Philippines on double murder charges says he is innocent.

Timothy Kaufman has been in jail since his arrest in April at business near his grandfather's Albany-area home. The 35-year-old from Knoxville, Tenn., is one of three men charged by Philippine authorities with killing a retired Northern Ireland police officer and his girlfriend in 2011.

Authorities claim it was a premeditated killing in an area known for its sometimes-seamy club scene.

In a handwritten letter sent to the media from jail, Kaufman said he would never do something as "heinous and stupid" as killing the couple. He said he left the country after the killings because he feared for his safety.

An extradition hearing is scheduled for June 25 in Albany federal court.