Posted: Jul 9, 2012 3:52 PM by KXMB-TV - Bismark, ND
Updated: Nov 28, 2012 9:15 AM
BISMARCK, N.D. - A Missoula man has been charged with kidnapping and murder in Bismark, N.D.
CBS Affiliate KXMB Bismark reports that John Bridges of Missoula appeared in court this afternoon and was charged with killing Lee Clay.
During the hearing, Bridges told Judge Sona Anderson that he wanted to plead guilty and "get this over with," but courts cannot accept a guilty plea on felony charges unless the defendant has an attorney representing him or her.
Friday afternoon, the North Dakota Highway Patrol found Clay dead in the back of a van parked in the median along Interstate 94 east of Bismark. Police say Clay's injuries weren't consistent with a vehicle accident.
Police said Bridges abducted Clay with the intent to commit murder, then killed him.
Authorities obtained search warrants for Bridges pocket knife, along with three cell phones and a SD memory card.
At a prosecuting attorney's request, the judge set no bond, owing to Bridges past arrests and convictions for aggravated assault. Attorneys said they're waiting on confirmation that Bridges may also have a juvenile conviction for homicide in Illinois.
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