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Jun 21, 2006 6:12 pm US/Eastern
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Taped Confession Brings Family Members To Tears
(KDKA)
The parents and family members of 12-year-old Gabrielle Bechen were brought to tears today when the taped confession of her accused killer was played in court.
Bechen was found buried on a horse farm early Sunday morning. She had been missing since last Tuesday.
Jeffrey Robert Martin, 48, of New Geneva, Fayette County was charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and four counts of tampering with evidence in the death of Gabrielle Bechen of Dunkard Township, Greene County.
A tape recorded confession was played in the courtroom. In a matter-of-fact tone of voice, Martin described what happened eight days ago when Bechen disappeared.
He said on tape that he put his hands around Gabrielle's throat and held her until she stopped breathing.
Bechen's parents, Chris and Blanche, sitting only a few feet away from Martin as the tape played in the courtroom, along with family members openly wept.
In his confession, Martin said he panicked when Bechen told him that she was going to accuse him of molesting her.
He said that's when he decided to put his hands around her throat.
Martin went on to describe how he took the body to a remote place on the horse farm, buried her and covered her with two bags of limestone.
The public defenders tried to delay today's hearing. They wanted to subpoena former Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht who did the autopsy on Gabrielle Bechen's body.
Wecht was not available and the judge decided to go on without his testimony.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details
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