WEBSTER CITY — The man accused of sexually abusing and killing his former girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter told an FBI agent that he was sexually attracted to the girl, the agent testified Wednesday.
Jennifer Sullivan and several other officials involved in the investigation into the girl’s death took the stand in the trial of Casey Frederiksen, 35, who is charged with first-degree murder and sexual assault. Prosecutors allege Frederiksen sexually abused Evelyn Miller and stabbed her to death while babysitting her in 2005. He was arrested in 2012.
Floyd County Chief Deputy Jeff Crooks said he’ll never forget what he saw when Evelyn’s body was found in the Cedar River a few days after she was reported missing. He said the girl was clothed and that her body appeared water-worn. Jurors then viewed photos from the scene.
During cross examination, Crooks testified there was no DNA evidence or weapon connecting Frederiksen to her death.
Jack Seward, a former special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said he interviewed Frederiksen twice before Evelyn’s body was discovered. During the first interview, he said Frederiksen acted “as someone who was concerned.” Seward said it was during the second interview that Frederiksen began to avoid questions.
Sullivan next took the stand, and she testified about an interview with Frederiksen while he was in prison in 2007 in Pekin, Illinois, after a conviction the year before for possession or receipt of child pornography. She said Frederiksen told her that he was aroused by images of men sexually abusing girls between the ages of 5 and 7 and that Evelyn fell into that category.
He also admitted to watching child pornography around the girl, Sullivan said.
Still, Sullivan said Frederiksen never admitted to killing Evelyn. She said he blamed another man who was one of the last people to see Evelyn alive.