Jury hears killer's tapes in murder trial

CINCINNATI, March 9 (UPI) -- A Cincinnati jury heard recorded statements made to police by admitted killer Anthony Kirkland in his murder trial Tuesday, records show.

Kirkland is being tried for the killing of 13-year-old Esme Kenny in March 2009 and has already pleaded guilty to two other slayings, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

In all, Kirkland is accused in four deaths. He pleaded guilty to killing Mary Jo Newston, 45, and Kimla Rolison, 25, whose bodies were burned, the newspaper said.

Kirkland also faces charges relating to the death of Casonya "Sharee" Crawford, 14.

Kenny disappeared March 7, 2009, while jogging near a local reservoir.

Police detective Keith Witherell interviewed Kirkland, who was found near the scene.

On the tape, Kirkland admitted to colliding with Kenny as she jogged. He said Kenney apologized and offered him her watch, but then he "lost it."

"I punched her, I punched her a couple of times … and then I kicked her and punched her," Kirkland said.

"Do we need to find her right away, or is it too late?" Witherell asked.

"It's too late, too late," Kirkland said. "None of this was ever supposed to happen."

Kenny's body was found hours later, strangled and burned, the Enquirer reported.

Kirkland's attorneys have told jurors Kirkland killed all four of the women he is charged with killing, and said they will present no evidence in the guilt/innocence phase of the case.