Soldier: I hid evidence, but teen girlfriend killed her mom

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A soldier accused of killing his 14-year-old girlfriend's mother placed the blame squarely on the teen today, telling jurors that she committed the murder and his only role was helping dispose of evidence because she claimed to be pregnant.

Army Spc. Caleb Barnes' testimony came after Jamie Silvonek, now 15, took the stand for the defense but told a wildly different story that implicated him in the slaying.

Barnes, who's from El Paso, Texas, is accused of first-degree murder in the stabbing of Cheryl Silvonek in March 2015 in Pennsylvania because she disapproved of his relationship with her daughter because of their age difference. Barnes, now 22, was 21 at the time of the killing.

Jamie Silvonek had agreed to testify against Barnes as part of a plea deal, but prosecutors rested their case Thursday without calling her. Silvonek, who was tried as an adult, pleaded guilty in February to first-degree murder and criminal conspiracy and is serving 35 years to life.

Today, in a twist, the defense called her to the stand, where she told the court she was "inexorably, ineffably in love" with Barnes, The Morning Call of Allentown reported.

The teen admitted urging Barnes via text to carry out the slaying so they could continue their relationship.