
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, November 19, 1993                   TAG: 9311190095
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-13   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: PRESTON, ENGLAND                                LENGTH: Short

BOY ADMITS HE AND FRIEND KILLED TODDLER

One of two boys charged with murdering a toddler confessed to the crime and said his friend was "laughing his head off" as the child was beaten to death, according to a police tape played in court Thursday.

The boy expressed remorse for killing 2-year-old James Bulger, and said the toddler begged, "Don't hurt me" as his tormentors hurled bricks and stones at him, and bashed his head with a metal rod.

The tape was played as the prosecution wrapped up its case against the two 11-year-olds on the 13th day of their murder and kidnapping trial.

Defense lawyers said the boys, who were 10 at the time of the murder, would not testify because they were too shaken. The defense does not plan to call any witnesses, but in closing statements Monday is to argue that the boys didn't plan to murder James or understand the gravity of their actions. - Associated Press

by CNB