Bridges Pleads Guilty to Murder and Kidnapping

| 8/9/2012

A Montana man has pleaded guilty to murder in kidnapping charges in the death of a North Dakota man. John Bridges, 42, represented himself in court as he entered his plea to Class AA Felony Murder and Class A Felony Kidnapping in the death of Lee Clay.

Bridges was involved in a crash on Interstate 94 three miles east of Bismarck on July 5th. When Highway Patrol arrived on the scene, Lee Clay was found dead in the back of Bridges car. According to BCI Special Agent Tim Myers, Clay suffered ligaments and cuts inconsistent with the crash. It was confirmed Clay died by cuts to the jugular and carotid artery after he was attacked with a knife and ax.

Bridges sat emotionless throughout the hearing and "just wants to get this over with." Burleigh County Judge Feland ordered a pre-sentence investigation and psychiatric evaluation. Bridges also responded "that doesn`t bother me" when Feland said he could face life in prison without possibility of parole.

Myers testified that Bridges told him he had a "vivid" dream which pushed him to the murder of Clay.

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