Thanks for your comment.
The papers did mention the victim was strangled but they did not tell the public what was used. The police kept this information to themselves in case someone came forward and falsely confessed. This is a procedure the police typically follow in order to determine true fullness of witnesses.
If you saw the police video tape you would have seen Charles Erickson first say he saw Ryan strangle the victim his hands while the victim was face up, a few minutes later Erickson changed his story to say Ryan used a shirt taken from the victim's car and the victim was face down. Detective Short once again told Erickson no, it was not hands or a shirt. Next Erickson guessed a bungee cord again Detective Short told him no.
You can clearly see Chuck Erickson had no idea what was used. Only the police and the murder knew.
Finally Detective Short him it was a belt.
The victim's belt.
The Detective asked Erickson if he saw that.
Erickson clearly stated he did not see that at all.You can see the police interrogation video tape taken the day of his arrest at:
YouTube - Have you ever had a cop in your face?