LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge has ruled that the confession of a suspect in the death of a 52-year-old Lawrence businessman was given voluntarily and can be used in her trial.

Douglas County District Judge Paula Martin said Thursday that 19-year-old Sarah Gonzales McLinn’s statements about the death of Harold Sasko were the “product of a free and independent will.”

6News Lawrence  reports McLinn’s attorney said the defense would not contest that the statement was voluntary.

Sasko’s body was found on the living room floor of his home, where McLinn also was living, on Jan. 17. His wrists and ankles were bound with zip ties, and his throat had been cut with a large hunting knife.

McLinn told investigators she killed Sasko because she wanted to see what it felt like.