MARION COUNTY - Neil A. Barrall showed no emotion or remorse as he admitted during a police interview to intentionally striking a Centralia teacher with his vehicle Saturday, dragging her some 40 yards into the woods, kicking her repeatedly in the head, sexually assaulting her and then stabbing her multiple times with a knife, Marion County State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach alleged during a court hearing Wednesday.

Barrall, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of capital murder in connection with the death of Rita "Michele" Cavaletto. Cavaletto's body was found Saturday evening in a wooded area off Copple Road in rural Marion County hours after she left her Walnut Hill residence to take a morning walk.

Barrall's arrest comes after an intense investigation by state police and Marion County law enforcement. One of the strongest leads was developed when a driver for an elevator company came forward after hearing reports of the murder and told police he was traveling on Copple Road Saturday and remembered seeing a white Jeep with a black soft top. He also gave a description of a white male he saw at the same time and gave an approximate height, weight and age, Wilzbach said.

A sketch of the suspect as well as a photo of the suspect vehicle was released to media Tuesday. Within hours, police were interviewing Barrall who allegedly admitted to the crime.

Barrall was denied bond Wednesday and a preliminary hearing date was set for 10:30 a.m., Nov. 13.