Confession Stands in Sabina Murder Trial

Judge allows alleged confession in Northern Liberties murder trial

A Philadelphia judge has ruled that statements allegedly made by a defendant can be used at his trial in the rape and murder of a woman nearly two years ago.

The Philadelphia Daily News says Common Pleas Judge Glenn Bronson said Monday that 20-year-old Donte Johnson was an adult when he spoke to police two weeks after the body of 20-year-old waitress Sabina Rose O'Donnell was found.

Bronson said he believed that Johnson was sober and voluntarily made the statement. Defense attorneys argued that their client is mentally impaired.

Police say Johnson told investigators he strangled O'Donnell after she screamed when he tried to rob her in June 2010 in the city's Northern Liberties neighborhood. Authorities say Johnson said he was initially just trying to take her bike.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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