WINFIELD, Kansas, May 30, 2007 – Justin Thurber has apparently been busy behind bars. KSN has learned he wrote about his case in a letter to the Ark City newspaper.

The headline in Ark City, “Suspect writes letter to Traveler.” Justin Thurber apparently writes, "I am asking you to start printing the truth about Justin Thurber."

The paper did not show the letter, but we're told it was two hand-written pages. Thurber neither admits nor denies his role in the crime, but does suggest police have not released every detail in the case. He goes on to say "Maybe Mr. Thurber not the hardened criminal they say he is." 

You can bet these statements will now be used as evidence.

"A creative prosecutor can usually find a way to insist that the statement made is incriminating, relevant and ought to be admissible at trial," Dan Monnat, legal analyst, said.

Thurber is not alone. Scott Cheever, the man accused of killing Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels, wrote a statement that may be used against him in court. And B.T.K. himself wrote several letters, including one to KSN, after his arrest. Each one ended up in the hands of the state.

"Calls and correspondence are routinely combed for statements that can help the prosecutor convict the inmate," Monnat said.

Defense Attorney Stephen Joseph fights to keep jail statements out of court, but admits it’s hard to do, especially if the client gave up the information willingly, which is why he gives the same advice.

"Don't talk to anybody, don't write letters, don't do anything like that because anything you say can be used against you if the prosecution gets their hands on it," Joseph said.

We do know Justin Thurber's original letter has been turned over to authorities. The Cowley County attorney won't comment on that evidence, but you can expect the issue will play out in court.