Confession Tossed in Jessica Lunsford Case
A Florida judge has ruled that John Evander Couey's confession to investigators in the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford cannot be used as evidence in his trial, but the discovery of her body and a later jailhouse confession can be used.
Convicted sex offender Couey (pictured) confessed to detectives but during the taped interview he asked for an attorney at least seven times. The judge ruled that his right to have an attorney present was violated by investigators.
Two days after Couey confessed, the body of Jessica Lunsford was found buried behind a mobile home where Couey had been staying. She was found in a kneeling position holding her favorite stuffed animal. Autopsy results indicated that she had been buried alive.
Couey's attorneys had also requested that the discovery of Jessica's body and other evidence also be ruled inadmissible, because it came as the result of his confession. The judge ruled that investigators would have discovered her shallow grave eventually, without the confession.
The judge is also allowing a jailhouse confession Couey made to correction officers a year later to be used at his trial.
Jessica was buried behind a mobile home less than 150 yards from her grandmother's home from which she was abducted in the middle of the night Feb. 23, 2005.
See Also:
Judge Tosses Confession in Fla. Killing
Background:
The Jessica Lunsford Case
The Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation
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Comments
Can anyone imagine the sheer terror that poor little girl went through at the hands of this pervert? His own confession cannot be used? The law truly is an ass!
The laws must be changed. This poor child suffered a cruel, tragic death at the hands of this sick pervert. Why waste tax payers money on a trial? Just take him out back, rape and torture him then bury him alive and see how he likes it.
With the death penalty likely here Couey now says he is not guilty humm. Even after the girl was in his yard, and he brought himself into custody. Now he will see what its like to end a poor girls life. This case has an uncanny resemblance to Albert Fish who looks like Couey wounder if they are related, and Grace Budd who is wearing the same type of hat in her picture as Jessica Lunsford, and looks a little like her. She was also buried in a yard by a house. May these precious children rest in peace so sad.
That is either ironic or wierd. They do look alike. I hope who ever did this crime gets what they deserve.
Couey is related to Albert Fish.
couey should be tortured then put to death in the most horendous way that a person could die,and i hope he rots is hell forever and ever.