Friday, January 8, 2010

San Diego, CA: Marine Admitted Strangling Teen Wife: DA

By PAUL KRUEGER and ERIC S. PAGE

Updated 4:03 PM PST, Thu, Jan 7, 2010


A Marine Corps corporal's motive for murder remains a mystery, according to prosecutors.

After Patrick Poteat, 21, killed his 19-year-old bride, the newlywed left a note on the refrigerator admitting he strangled his teenage wife, investigators said. The prosecutor said Poteat, who was taken into custody in the 29 Palms area, confessed again after police arrested him.

In court on Thursday, Poteat pleaded not guilty.

The couple had been married just two months when Kayla O'Barr-Poteat, who worked as an exotic dancer at Goldfingers Gentlemen's Club near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, was killed on Tuesday. Poteat was stationed at the air station prior to his arrest.

In court on Thursday, prosecutor Dan Link said Poteat fled after killing his wife but asked a friend to call 911 to have police force their way into the residence.

No comments: