More than a year after a man was gunned down in the Poconos, his accused killer has pleaded guilty to murder.
The day before his trial was set to begin in Monroe County, Fritz DeJoie of Blakeslee pleaded guilty Wednesday to third-degree murder for the shooting death of Steven Santillo last year.
Investigators said it happened on Hypsie Gap Road near Long Pond. A passerby discovered Santillo's body.
An autopsy showed Santillo, also of Blakeslee, had been shot several times. Court papers revealed Santillo might have owed DeJoie money.
At first DeJoie denied his involvement, according to police, but later changed his story.
DeJoie surrendered to state police less than a week after Santillo's body was found.
In a written statement he admitted trying to destroy and hide evidence. When asked by police if he shot Santillo, DeJoie said yes.
DeJoie was set to stand trial this week in Monroe County for the murder.
Sentencing has not been scheduled.
The day before his trial was set to begin in Monroe County, Fritz DeJoie of Blakeslee pleaded guilty Wednesday to third-degree murder for the shooting death of Steven Santillo last year.
Investigators said it happened on Hypsie Gap Road near Long Pond. A passerby discovered Santillo's body.
An autopsy showed Santillo, also of Blakeslee, had been shot several times. Court papers revealed Santillo might have owed DeJoie money.
At first DeJoie denied his involvement, according to police, but later changed his story.
DeJoie surrendered to state police less than a week after Santillo's body was found.
In a written statement he admitted trying to destroy and hide evidence. When asked by police if he shot Santillo, DeJoie said yes.
DeJoie was set to stand trial this week in Monroe County for the murder.
Sentencing has not been scheduled.
