San Diego

A Kentucky homicide detective told a judge Tuesday he believes Johnny Massingale is guilty of killing a Normal Heights woman and her son, even though David Lucas is now charged in those slayings.

Denny Pace testified as a defense witness in Lucas’ preliminary hearing on the 1979 killings of Suzanne and Colin Jacobs and the 1981 slaying of Gayle Garcia.

Massingale, 30, an illiterate drifter with a fourth-grade education, was originally charged in the Jacobs killings and was interviewed in the case by Pace. Those counts were dropped after Lucas was arrested Dec. 16, 1984, in three other slayings.

Pace said Massingale’s statements to him on tape admitting to those killings were “given freely and voluntarily.”

“You believe Mr. Massingale killed the Jacobs family?” asked Deputy Dist. Atty. Dan Williams.

“Yes, I do. I believe he’s guilty. I know the circumstances,” Pace replied.

Pace denied that he coerced Massingale into making any incriminating statements.

Massingale testified Monday that he made up the whole story after Pace threatened him with the death penalty. Pace said Tuesday that he did mention the death penalty but said he suggested Massingale confess and throw himself on the mercy of the court.

The tape-recorded interview with Massingale was played before San Diego Municipal Court Judge Herbert Exarhos and a packed courtroom. Pace is heard talking most of the time.

Williams said Massingale said on the tape that he killed Suzanne Jacobs, 31, in the kitchen, even though investigators determined that she was killed in the bedroom.

Former Massingale prosecutor Bernard Revak said Pace “blew it” during the interview by showing Massingale photographs of the scene and giving Massingale enough details of the crime to suggest his answers.

Pace insisted he did not suggest the details to Massingale. He said Massingale willingly talked to him.

Jodie Santiago, 29, of Seattle, testified for the third time against Lucas, and identified him again as the man who kidnaped her June 9, 1984, and slashed her throat after she left an El Cajon restaurant.