Posted at: 10/23/2009 4:31 PM
Updated at: 10/26/2009 10:10 AM
By: Chris Rooney

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Costello admits to 1969 killing

BALLSTON SPA - In a surprise turn of events, the suspect in a 40-year-old homicide case admitted Friday to killing a romantic rival.

Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy says 63-year-old Nelson Costello pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of David Bacon.

Bacon was killed in Waterford in April 1969, but his body was never found. He was 22 years old.

"After 40 years, David's killer has been brought to justice," Murphy said in a statement.

Murphy says Costello also agreed to help them find Bacon's remains. It's believed the victim may be buried along the banks of the James River in Virginia.

Costello was a Waterford constable in 1969. He had since moved to Arizona.

Police began investigating the case after receiving a tip last year and arrested Costello during a visit to Cohoes on Jan. 30.

Costello must be punished under 1969 sentencing statutes. Murphy says he'll seek a maximum sentence of five and two-thirds to 17 years in prison.

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