In Renton, Washington, police have arrested a man in connection with the disappearance of 19-year-old Kathy Chou, who has been missing since April 18, 2010: Charges: Man admitted to teen's 'brutal and senseless murder'.The suspect, ex-boyfriend Ezekiel James Watkins has reportedly confessed to killing Chou. According to authorities, Watkins lured her to a secluded area, then stabbed her in the throat and buried her body in a swampy area.
Watkins was arrested last week after an alleged accomplice admitted to helping him hide Chou's body the night she was killed. Her body was apparently recovered Saturday evening:
Speaking with investigators one nine days after Chou disappeared, Watkins said they had dated previously but had broken up months before. He provided an alibi, a friend who told police Watkins had spent the night in question at his home.Watkins' confession includes a grisly description of how he killed Chou. It's seriously chilling -- this guy needs to rot in a jail cell. Watkins has been charged with first degree murder, and is being held in the King County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail. He faces 28 years in prison if convicted as charged. More here: Kent man charged with ex-girlfriend's slaying.
The investigation continued for more than a year without substantial progress. Then, on June 23, investigators spoke with a man who claimed Watkins showed up at his house covered in blood and dirt at 11 p.m. the night Chou disappeared.
Watkins told the man he had crashed his bicycle, according to charging documents. The man suggested that investigators speak with his roommate, Watkins’ alibi.
Interviewed by police a second time, Watkins’ former alibi changed his story, the Renton detective told police.
The man told investigators Watkins called him at 9 p.m. the day Chou disappeared, and asked to borrow a shovel to bury a pet duck that had died. Watkins picked up the shovel and left.
Investigators then interviewed Watkins on July 6 and allegedly elicited a confession.