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channel 3 iconLast updated 5:08 am CT February 09, 2010.

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Cavaletto Homicide

CENTRALIA--27-year-old Neil Barrall made his first appearance in Marion County court today. The Centralia man was arrested last night in the murder of 38-year-old Michele Cavaletto. Cavaletto was last seen Saturday morning when she left home for a walk.

Her body was found that evening along a rural road.

State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach and Sheriff Brad Wolenhaupt both say this is the worst and most brutal case they have ever seen in Marion County.

In the courtroom Wilzbach read a statement he says Neil Barrall gave police about what happened on Saturday.

"He admitted he was driving on Copple road on the 20th and came up behind Cavaletto while walking and he then made the decision to purposely strike her with his vehicle, he exited his vehicle and dragged her into the woods," Wilzbach says.

Police say Barrall told them he kicked Cavaletto in the head, sexually assaulted her, and then left, returning later with a knife and stabbing her to death.

"You just don't see cases like this around here," Wilzbach says. He also says Cavaletto and Barrall didn't seem to know each other and so far Barrall won't talk about a motive for the crime.

Wolenhaupt says, "The brutal and heinous nature, this occurred the fact he left and came back. That's what makes it the worst case for me."

Wolenhaupt says it was information from the public that helped officials solve this case so quickly.

Wolenhaupt says, "You never know what little info will link two parts of the investigation together."

Barrall was silent as he came out of court today. He is being held without bond in the Marion County jail.

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