Prosecutors: Fiancee Of Missing Kayaker Tampered With Kayak
GOSHEN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Prosecutors say a 35-year-old woman has solved the mystery of how her fiance died while paddling on the Hudson River last month.
Angelika Graswald, 35, told investigators she felt trapped in their relationship and tampered with his boat, WCBS 880's Irene Cornell reported.
An Orange County grand jury said the Latvian expatriate pulled the drain plug on her fiance Vincent Viafore's kayak during a Hudson River excursion, causing it to fill with water, CBS2's Lou Young reported.
Graswald is accused of watching Viafore flounder and drown in the cold water before calling for help. Then allegedly capsized her own kayak as rescuers approached to make it seem as if she'd been trying to help him.
Viafore's body has not been found.
The motive for the crime? Graswald stood to benefit by collecting two life insurance policies totaling $250,000.
Assistant District Attorney Julie Mohl said Graswald told police she wanted out of the relationship and that it felt good knowing Viafore would die.
What police first described as inconsistent statements, the district attorney is now calling a confession, Young reported.
Graswald's attorney, however, said her grasp of English is not good and her statements may not be what they seem.
"She's very confident sounding, and so even if she doesn't know what you're saying, she'll answer in an affirmative tone," said attorney Richard Portale. "You think you're communicating effectively, but you're really not because she's not getting what you're saying."
State police, search and dive units continue to look in the Hudson for Viafore's body.
Graswald has raised $120,000 with an online defense fund and friends were in court Wednesday to show their support for her.
"I know her and I don't believe she's capable of doing such a thing," said one supporter.
"I don't see any evidence. Is there a kayak tampering? Is there actual evidence?" said Gradwald's neighbor Todd Guidine.
Now, she's indicted on a charge of second-degree murder. The judge made it very unlikely that she'll walk out of jail; bail was set at $3 million cash, Cornell reported.