Austrian monster dad admits to murder

St Poelten, Austria: Josef Fritzl, the Austrian father on trial for imprisoning and raping his daughter Elisabeth for 24 years in the cellar of his home, pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday.

At the start of day three in the trial, the 73-year-old, who had already confessed to incest, false imprisonment and had partially confessed to rape, surprisingly overturned his previous "not guilty" plea to the charge of murder through negligence.

The charge relates to the death of a baby borne by Elisabeth in the dungeon where Fritzl kept her. The infant died of respiratory problems a few days after he was born. Fritzl is accused of denying medical aid to the baby boy.

A final verdict on the trial is expected Thursday or Friday.