Family and friends of Cassandra Kaake have gathered at superior court today for Matthew Brush's sentencing hearing. Many listened to disturbing details of the case with their heads bowed and tears in their eyes..
The 27-year-old LaSalle man has already pleaded guilty to second degree murder and arson. Kaake was killed and her home set ablaze in December of 2014.
Video statements from Brush are being played in the courtroom. In the first statement, he tells the officer questioning him that he has a thing for women's underwear and he used to steal them. He said he stole about a handful of Kaake's underwear over the years. Brush also shared that his mother told him about Kaake's murder after she heard it on the news. He told the officer he "maybe" loved Cassie and attended her funeral. Brush mentioned that he and Kaake had sex when he was 19 and that she was his first.
AM800 file photo
The officer went over the information that Brush shared with her. In the video, the officer tells Brush he is now a suspect in Kaake's homicide and asked if he wants a lawyer. He says 'no', he's innocent. He also said he's creepy but not a murderer.
Kaake was discovered by firefighters who has responded to the home at 1566 Benjamin Ave. where she lived. An autopsy determined she was pregnant at the time and died from blood loss.
The sentencing hearing is expected to last five days.
Police investigate following original fire call to Benjamin Ave. home in Windsor, Dec. 2014 (AM800 file photo)