Judge allows DNA, taped confessions by man accused in slaying of Ark. TV anchorwoman

Judge allows tapes as evidence in TV anchor death

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A judge has agreed to allow DNA evidence and all taped confessions as evidence during the trial of the man accused in the slaying of an Arkansas TV anchorwoman.

Circuit Judge Chris Piazza on Thursday turned away arguments by Curtis Vance’s attorneys to keep jurors from seeing the evidence. Vance is charged with capital murder in the beating death last October of KATV personality Anne Pressly.

Vance, 28, of Marianna, is charged with rape, residential burglary and theft and is set for a trial Nov. 2. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Vance testified Thursday that police tricked him into confessing, but also said he knew what he was doing when he signed papers acknowledging he understood his rights.