The man who authorities believe killed Boise State freshman Sierra Bush is taking a plea deal with prosecutors. In exchange for dropping charges of kidnapping and rape, Bruce Marchant pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder Tuesday.
The Statesman reports part of the plea agreement includes Marchant waiving his right to an appeal. The first-degree murder charge claims Marchant killed Bush through asphyxiation or another means of oxygen deprivation.
Marchant told the court during his hearing he suffered from a range of mental illnesses but stood by his guilty plea. At one point when pressed if he understood what was happening, Marchant claimed he invented the Toyota Prius. The judge called the claim “fantastical,” and Marchant blamed the nonsequitur on a lack of sleep.
Marchant said he choked Bush with his hands until she died. He told the court Bush screamed while the murder took place in Bush’s father’s house. Bush was last seen alive September 24 of last year. Nearly a month later, the 18 year old’s body was found in a creek south of Idaho City.
Marchant is scheduled to be sentenced December 6. He’s facing life in prison without parole.
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