Love Triange Behind 40 Year Old Murder Case

While the head of the State Police BCI would not discuss physical evidence in the case against accused killer Nelson Costello of Arizona, Captain Steven James did confirm something about a motive in the 1969 slaying..

Standing with Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy Friday in Ballston Spa..Captain James confirmed reports that prosecutors believe Costello killed 22 year old David Bacon because the two men were fighting over a woman.

The Times Union idenfitied the woman in question as Mary Haughney who is now married with children and living in Schaghticoke. We were unsuccessful in reaching her Friday but Haughney is expected to be on the witness list for the trial.

The District Attorney said they have numerous witnesses who have come forward all providing what he termed very similar stories about what happened to David Bacon.

Captain James also admitted the initial missing person file compiled in 1969 has been purged, and that the State Police are not even certain whether Costello was questioned at the time of the disappearance.

Costello was a part time Waterford Town Constable when Bacon disappeared.

On Thursday Nelson Costello was indicted on a charge of murder and two counts of witness tampering. Authorities say he travelled to New York State last week for the purpose of intimidating potential witnesses.

Costello's attorney Gaspar Castillo says his client came here to surrender to police even though he claims he did not kill David Bacon.