/ 3 August 2005

Man lies about murder to drive off wife

A Florida man confessed to a murder that never happened, hoping it would persuade his wife to leave him, the Ocala Star Banner reported on Wednesday.

Teddy Akin (28) told his wife he had killed a hitchhiker and stolen his wallet, and later repeated the same story to investigators after police arrested him. He claimed he hit the man on the neck, causing him to gasp and make a gurgling sound. He said he buried the body in a forest.

But police eventually found the allegedly murdered man alive and astonished.

Akin admitted that his murder confession was bogus, Sue Livoti, a spokesperson with the sheriff’s office, told the daily. He told investigators he was having problems with his wife and was hoping the murder story would make her leave him.

He said he had found the wallet in the street.

Police said Akin will be charged with theft and making a false report. He might also be sent a bill for the cost of the search. — AFP