FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Spec. Megan Touma and a married Sgt. Edgar Patino began their relationship when both were stationed in Germany.
Patino transferred in January to Fort Bragg, N.C., and a pregnant Touma followed six months later. A day after she arrived, police said, the two met in a motel room near the Army base.
Touma’s decomposing body was found in the room’s bathtub a week later.
Patino was in court on a first-degree murder charge Wednesday, a day after he was arrested in Touma’s death at the home he shares with his wife in nearby Hope Mills. Police said he admitted fathering 23-year-old Touma’s unborn baby.
Patino acknowledged being in Touma’s motel room June 13, the last day her room key was used, police said.
Police also believe Patino was the author of letters sent to The Fayetteville Observer and police from a person who claimed to be a serial killer responsible for Touma’s death. Patino purchased a typewriter the day before the letters were sent, police said.
The letter featured a circle-and-cross drawing similar to one used a generation ago by San Francisco’s infamous Zodiac Killer. Authorities said the symbol had also been drawn in lipstick on the motel room mirror.
“We feel there was significant evidence that Patino published those letters, mailed those letters to throw off the investigation,” said police Sgt. Chris Corcione.
