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Karen Scullin ReportingA guilty plea today from the woman accused of killing and burning the body of a 23-year old woman ten months ago. But the plea came with wording that left many people with more questions than answers.
A guilty plea should have pretty much wrapped up this case except for the sentencing. But Sally Krivanek's defense attorney made it very clear, Krivanek wasn't admitting to the actual murder of Kellie Nelson.
Sally Krivanek was crying and shaking as she plead guilty to murder, but Krivanek didn't actually admit to murdering 23-year old Kellie Nelson.
Bob Stott, Deputy District Attorney: “Under our statute you can plead guilty as a party to the crime, and that's what they pled guilty to. That's just as guilty as if you committed the crime."
Krivanek's defense attorney said his client essentially admits to two things: Phone conversations in the two months before the murder, where she helped someone else plan the crime; and transporting and disposing of the body.
Kellie Nelson died by strangulation. Her body was then apparently transported in a UHaul van rented by Krivanek, and burned in a pile of rubble off I-80.
Bob Stott: “At this point, we only have evidence to her culpability and no one else's culpability."
The defense attorney was not available for media questions following the hearing and didn't return phone calls. So at this point it's unclear if Krivanek will eventually point the finger at someone else or if she simply refuses to admit she acted alone. Early on in the case all indications were that Krivanek acted out of envy. Kellie Nelson was the girlfriend of Krivanek's ex-boyfriend.
Bob Stott: “You're talking about jealousy, you’re talking about enmity--just some of the oldest passions that go on in human minds, human hearts."
Prosecutors did say they would lay out what they thought were the facts of the case at Krivanek's sentencing; that's scheduled for November 3rd.
