Confession Eliminated

Sarah Lunde

With little other physical evidence linking David Onstott to the 2005 slaying, prosecutors were relying heavily on the statements he had made to investigators.

Prosecutors had wanted to bring up in court that Onstott confessed to strangling 13-year-old Sarah Lunde. The judge's ruling means Onstott's confession can't be used against him at trial. Other incriminating statements he made are being kept in evidence by the judge. Prosecutors say they will immediately appeal the decision.

The judge postponed the trial pending that appeal. It had been scheduled for next week. Onstott is charged with first-degree murder and attempted sexual battery, and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.