Dawn Viens Update: Husband of missing woman admits killing her, say police

By: Camille Mann
Topics: Daily Blotter

Dawn Viens

/ lacrimestoppers.org

(CBS/AP) LOMITA, Calif. - David Viens has admitted to killing his wife, Dawn, say Los Angeles authorities, but after an extensive search of his Lomita restaurant her body still has not been found.

Despite their unsuccessful search of the Thyme Contemporary Cafe, which was renovated shortly after his wife's disappearance, Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives say they had a breakthrough with Viens.

"He made statements to the investigators implicating himself as being solely responsible for Dawn's death," sheriff's Lt. Dave Coleman said, although authorities say Viens did not say what had happened to her body.

Crews searched for two days using a cadaver sniffing dog, pulling up the concrete floors and sifting through dirt where the dogs indicated. By Wednesday afternoon the coroner said there was no evidence of any human remains on the property.

Dawn has been missing since the fall of 2009.

David Viens, 47, is still recovering from jumping off a cliff in Rancho Palos Verdes after he read that he was suspected in his wife's death and led detectives, who were watching him, on a chase.

He smashed his ankles, a femur and his hips in the fall and is still in the hospital.

Coleman said Viens would face unspecified charges once he has recovered more. Detectives are expected to submit the case to prosecutors soon.

Click here for more of the Dawn Viens case on Crimesider.

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