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New Details Released In Flight Attendant Murder Mystery

WEST COVINA (CBS) — Authorities are releasing new information in the murder investigation of 27-year-old US Airways flight attendant Nick Aaronson.

Aaronson, who grew up in West Covina but was based in Phoenix, was found dead in a Mexico City hotel room during a layover Saturday morning.

Hotel surveillance video shows him signing in 20-year-old Jose Ramirez, a male prostitute known as "the shadow".

Police arrested Ramirez after they tracked him using Aaronson's cell phone.

He has since admitted beating Aaronson, but claims the flight attendant was alive when he left the room.

Ramirez, who has a police record in Mexico, has also been identified by several witnesses.

Prosecutors in Mexico City say Aaronson was found naked on the floor with his hands tied behind his back.

"I wish they had the death penalty in Mexico. He took the bright life out of my life." Anita Aaronson, Nick's mother, told CBS affiliate KPHO.

The President of the Association of Flight Attendants Council 66, Deborah Volpe, told KPHO that she knew Aaronson well.

"Nick is a very popular flight attendant, very happy, great personality, very open and compassionate," she said.

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