3 years ago
ORLANDO, Florida — The confession of a man charged with kidnapping, raping and killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford isn't admissible in court, but the discovery of her body can be used as evidence, a judge ruled today.
John Evander Couey, a 47-year-old convicted sex offender, gave the confession to detectives, but also told them that he wanted to consult a lawyer. He wasn't given the opportunity to do so.
Judge Ric Howard says authorities violated "one of the most bedrock principles of criminal law."
Jessica Marie Lunsford was found kneeling and clutching a stuffed animal, hands tied with speaker wire and fingers poking through the garbage bags in which she was buried alive in February 2005. Two days earlier, Couey told detectives he kidnapped, raped and killed the 9-year-old girl.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Couey has pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, burglary, kidnapping and sexual battery.
Jury selection is scheduled July 10th.
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