Syracuse Father Accused of Killing Toddler Has Confessed to Crime

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — A central New York man charged with killing his toddler daughter has testified that he confessed to the crime while talking with a Syracuse detective.

Ryan Lawrence's admission came during a hearing Wednesday to determine if statements he made to police can be admissible during trial. Lawrence is charged with first-degree murder in the February death of his 21-month-old daughter, Maddox.

Authorities believe the girl was killed in a rural area south of Syracuse before her father returned to the city and put her body in a creek.

Lawrence testified that he had wanted to stop talking to police. But detectives say that wasn't the case and Lawrence was willing to bring authorities to the spot where he allegedly killed the girl.

The trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 31.