Watch the change of plea hearing for Brian Dripps

Описание: EDITORS NOTE: The video above does contain graphic descriptions of rape and murder.

IDAHO FALLS — Brian Dripps says he never intended to murder Angie Dodge and had only planned on raping the 18-year-old. But in a change of plea hearing Tuesday morning, Dripps admitted to killing Dodge 25 years ago.

Dripps, 55, appeared in a Bonneville County Courtroom wearing his jail uniform and an American flag decorated face mask where he pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree murder and rape.

“All I really know is I went over there with the intent to rape her. I was pretty high on cocaine and alcohol,” Dripps said. “I had a pocket knife with me … I didn’t mean to murder her. I guess it just happened when I was there. I remember the rape part … that’s all I remember of that evening.”

Dripps said he doesn’t remember cutting Dodge’s throat but did not deny doing it. For nearly 23 years, he was a free man until his arrest in 2019 after DNA connected him to the crime scene.

Family members of both Dodge and Dripps sat in a socially distanced courtroom as Dripps graphically described the sexual assault. After the 15 minute hearing, Dodge’s family members spoke with EastIdahoNews.com.

“Today was a good day in that there’s some finality to it,” Brent Dodge, Dodge’s brother, told EastIdahoNews.com. “As we heard Brian Dripps plead guilty and admit to killing my sister and to raping her, there was some finality there that we’ve got the right guy this time and we’re looking forward to healing and going through the process of grieving.”

You can read the full story on EastIdahoNews.com.

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2021/02...