The prosecutor, who has declined to discuss the case with the Free Press, called all the victims' family members together in early October to say he didn't think he could make the murder charges stick against Brunke without Marietta Carlson's statements and in light of Cordell's new confession. The murder charges against Brunke were being dropped and he was going to be allowed to plead to obstruction of justice and lying to a police officer, convictions that could have him out of prison in five years or less. In exchange, he was going to testify against Cordell...
Some people, including the victims' families, believe Cordell took the fall for Brunke in exchange for cash, or a promise by Brunke to take care of Cordell's elderly mother once Brunke is released from prison in a few years...
Brunke will be in court Jan. 21 when he will be sentenced to prison on the lesser felonies.