Police say a 30-year-old woman has confessed to being involved in the Oct. 4, 2011, murder and robbery of Zachary Higdon at his trailer at 900 Airport Road.

Jessica Tene Sterchi is charged with first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery and tampering with or fabricating evidence.

The body of the victim was found by relatives at his unit at the Whispering Pines Trailer Park.

Police said numerous items of value had been removed from the trailer.

Investigator Zach Fuller said on Wednesday he interviewed a witness who said he had information on the Higdon murder. He said Ms. Sterchi told him "she was responsible for the murder of Zachary Higdon."

The witness said Ms. Sterchi explained in detail how the murder and the robbery were carried out. She stated they were going to rob Higdon and she was the one who shot and killed him. He said she told where the murder weapon could be located along with certain items taken from the trailer.

Investigator Fuller said on Saturday Ms. Sterchi agreed to speak with him. She said she was present when Higdon was killed. She said she was with her boyfriend and his brother when they decided to go get some cocaine from Higdon.

She said she entered the trailer first and purchased cocaine from Higdon. She said the two men then entered. She said when they tried to rob Higdon he fought back and was shot and killed.

She said they left, but returned twice to retrieve valuables from the trailer and to clean up the murder scene.

Investigator Fuller said the items Ms. Sterchi described matched those taken from the residence.

She said the gun had been thrown in the river.

Ms. Sterchi admitted pawning items taken from Higdon.



