Hearing for man accused of killing Zoey Zane begins

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The preliminary hearing for the man suspected of killing Emily Sander (known online as Internet porn model Zoey Zane) started Tuesday.

Israel Mireles is charged with capital murder, rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in Sander’s death.

Friends testified that they saw Sander, 18, kissing Mireles and later leaving a bar with him, the Associated Press reported.

One witness testified that she was hanging out with Sander and Mireles but left early because Mireles tried to get her back to his motel room.

“I started getting uncomfortable with him repeatedly asking me to leave with him,” she testified.

The motel owner also testified, saying the room’s floor, bed and wall were covered in blood.

Mireles faces life in prison without parole.

If you haven’t read Alan Schersthul’s “The Truth Behind Zoey” (February 13, 2008), do it.  It’s gripping stuff.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Mireles pleaded not guilty and the trial is scheduled for November 2.