SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - New details are emerging about a southwest Missouri teenager's confession to a December 2011 killing.
Gabriel Roche told detectives he had his "murder suit on" before walking into the woods planning to kill 17-year-old Weston North, The Springfield News-Leader (http://is.gd/IhKreU) reported. The ensemble consisted of blue jeans, batting gloves and a shirt that could repel stains.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Roche, of Republic, but have the right to change the strategy.
Detectives asked Roche, who was 18 at the time, why he stabbed North in the chest with a butcher knife on Dec. 31, 2011, according to details that emerged during a court hearing Wednesday. North's body was found in a ditch near Republic.
"I wanted it to be clean," Roche allegedly replied. "I didn't want to hurt the poor kid."
He might have wanted the other teen to die quickly, officials said Wednesday, but it didn't work out that way. Instead, they said Roche had to chase his victim down again and ultimately slice his throat.
Roche's attorneys also revealed in open court portions of what they referred to as the "interrogation." They focused on statements that they say showed Roche's inability to knowingly waive his rights, as well as what they call evidence of coercion by investigators.
Roche's attorneys argued their client's statements should be thrown out.
Judge Calvin Holden said he would consider whether Roche's alleged confession should be admitted as evidence in an upcoming trial.