The murder of Madison resident Joel Marino earlier this year appears to have been the result of a botched robbery attempt.
In tapes submitted as evidence in a Dane County courtroom Friday, Dan Peterson can be heard telling his mother and father about the murder and why he did it. The calls were placed from the jail Peterson was booked into, shortly after he was arrested in Minnesota in June.
Peterson also told one of his parents that stabbing Marino was "better than hurting himself."
On the calls, Peterson tells his parents that he did it for money and that stabbing Marino was party of the plan. He also says he didn't know the victim.
As the calls were played, Marino's father Lou wept in court. Peterson's father shook his head.
Madison Police Detective Alix Olson also testified that Peterson admitted he killed Marino to them. DNA evidence also ties Peterson to the crime.
A judge has ruled that Peterson will stand trial for the January stabbing of Marino.
AUDIO: Excerpts from Peterson jailhouse calls (MP3 2:16)
