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Taped Confession Played At Murder-For-Hire Trial

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors say a man charged with the murder-for-hire of his wife in a Southern California parking garage admitted the plot to a cellmate and asked him to arrange the deaths of the killers.

James Fayed's taped remarks were played for Los Angeles jurors on Wednesday during opening statements in his murder and conspiracy trial. The Moorpark man could face the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors claim he paid $25,000 to arrange the death of Pamela Fayed, who was stabbed in a Studio City garage in 2008.

But his lawyer, Mark Werksman, argued that Fayed was confused when he confessed and the real plotter may have been his sister.

Three other men have pleaded not guilty to taking part in the killing.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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