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Prosecutor: Estranged husband confessed to killing missing Mo. mother Jacque Waller

Jacque Sue Waller with her triplets Personal Photo

(CBS/AP) CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - A federal prosecutor says Clay Waller, a southeast Missouri man who is a suspect in his estranged wife's disappearance, has confessed to his father that he killed Jacque Sue Waller, the 39-year-old mother of triplets.

Pictures: Jacque Sue Waller

Jacque Sue Waller has been missing since June 1, the same day family members say she and her estranged husband Clay Waller planned to visit a divorce attorney in southeast Missouri.

Waller was last seen near her husband's home in nearby Jackson, her car abandoned along interstate 55 with a flat tire.

Clay Waller told police he and his wife argued that day but denies any role in her disappearance. He has not been charged in her disappearance. But he is facing federal charges of making Internet threats against one of his wife's relatives.

Clay Waller was in U.S. District Court on Thursday for a hearing in the threat case. The Southeast Missourian reports that during the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Ferell said Waller confessed to the killing.

Waller's attorney, public defender Scott Tilsen, told The Associated Press that Ferrell's comments were the first time he had heard about the alleged confession.

More on Crimesider
July 26, 2011 - Parents of missing Missouri mom, Jacque Waller, hope for break in case, says reportJuly 21, 2011 - Husband of missing Missouri mom, Jacque Waller, claims innocence
July 18, 2011 - Missing Mo. mother of triplets Jacque Sue Waller missing; search finds no trace



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