Ex-Fiance Admitted Killing, Woman Testifies

During a conversation with his then-fiancee, Michael Schultz, 33, admitted raping and killing a woman in 1993 and begged his future wife to keep silent about the crime, she testified Tuesday.

Therresa Mooney told a judge that months after the 1999 conversation, she called police using a fake name and said that DNA tests would link Schultz to the slaying of Cynthia Burger, 44, of Port Hueneme. Mooney also tearfully testified that she feared Schultz.

Authorities say her tip cracked open a six-year investigation. Mooney was among the first witnesses to testify at Schultz’s preliminary hearing, which continues today in Ventura County Superior Court.

Schultz is charged with one count of murder committed during a rape, and burglary. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.