The man charged with the first-degree murder of Army Specialist Megan Touma in a Fayetteville, North Carolina motel room has admitted to being the father of her unborn child, police said. Sgt. Edgar Patino, who is married, was officially charged a day after his arrest at his Hope Mills home.Touma and Patino began their relationship when they were both stationed in Germany.
Authorities said Patino transferred to Fort Bragg in January of this year and six months later, a seven-months pregnant Touma returned to Fort Bragg from Germany also. A day after she arrived, the two met in a motel room near the Army base.
A week later, Touma's body was found decomposing in the bathtub after a motel maintenance worker smelled a foul odor coming from the room. Police said Patino admitted to being in the room June 13, the last day Touma's room key was used.
Patino Purchased Typewriter
Investigators believe Patino wrote the letters that were sent to The Fayetteville Observer and police that were signed with a Zodiac sign. Patino bought a typewriter the day before the letters were sent.
They believe he used the letters to try to convince the police that a serial killer was responsible for the death of Touma.
See Also:
Suspect in Soldier's Death Was Baby's Father
Earlier Articles:
http://crime.about.com/b/2008/07/30/man-arrested-in-pregnant-soldiers-death.htm">
Man Arrested in Pregnant Soldier's Death
'Zodiac' Letter Clue in Pregnant Soldier's Death
Forum:
Discuss The Megan Touma Case
Crime Poll:
A Zodiac Copycat?
Photo: Mug Shot
Comments