Judge to Rule on Admissibility of 'Kensington Strangler' Confessions
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia judge today heard the alleged confessions of the accused "Kensington strangler," Antonio Rodriguez.
Defense attorneys are challenging the admissibility of the statements, and trial is expected to start after the judge rules on the matter Tuesday morning.
Homicide detectives today testified that the defendant detailed each of the murders voluntarily and matter-of-factly even after being read his rights and being offered an attorney, recounting each of the crimes in gruesome detail (see related story).
The detectives testified that Rodriguez admitted approaching the women on the street and getting them to agree to have sex with him.
And then, according to the defendant's statement, he strangled them during sex, continuing to sexually assault them even after they were dead (see related story).
Authorites say Rodriguez is also linked to all three murders -- of Elaine Goldberg, Nicole Piacentini, and Casey Mahoney -- by DNA retrieved from the crime scenes.
Before the motions hearing began, Rodriguez formally waived his right to a jury trial and entered a not-guilty plea. A judge will hear the case.
