Woman Accused Of Cleaning Up After Alleged Crime
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- A woman accused of cleaning up the crime scene after the murder of adult film actress Natal King was in court Tuesday.
At a preliminary hearing, some of the charges were dropped against Jennifer Mitkus.
Mitkus' attorney said she "has a story to tell," but would give not hint of that story as Mitkus arrived for her preliminary hearing in Conshohocken on a dozen criminal charges stemming from King's murder.
King, a 23-year-old Canadian college student and adult film actress, was stabbed to death a year ago during a photo shoot in Conshohocken, police said. Her body found in Whitemarsh Township a month later.
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Photographer Anthony Frederick, 46, confessed to the crime and is cooperating with authorities, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Frederick, who is still in custody, was held close to the court Tuesday morning, ready to testify against Mitkus if needed. But she waved her preliminary hearing and will face arraignment on April 22.
"Clearly her exposure could be anywhere up to 30 years in prison. Yes, she was a major player. She was a major player in the cleanup after the murder of Natal King," said Barbara Ashcroft, the assistant district attorney.
Mitkus is hoping for a deal from prosecutors.
"We're always looking towards solving this as expeditiously as we can. At this stage, we need to take a look at the statement that Mr. Frederick has provided. We need to talk to the Commonwealth to see what's in our client's best interest," said Carolyn Carluccio, Mitkus' attorney.
Frederick is expected to plead guilty next Monday to 3rd degree murder for killing King.
"Yeah, he's very sorry this came about. As he's said, it all happened because he didn't have all the money to pay her," said Richard Winters, Frederick's attorney.
Three charges were dropped against Mitkus Tuesday, but nine more remain, including felonies.
