One of the men accused of murdering Alan Shalleck, who was the writer and director of over 100 "Curious George" episodes for the Disney Channel, pleaded guilty to murder.
Rex Ditto in a plea deal, pleaded guilty of first-degree murder and robbery which included a weapon. He will never be eligible for parole.
The crime was particularly brutal, with Shalleck receiving 83 blunt force injuries, and over 36 stab wounds, all over his body, according to the autopsy report.
Ditto's attorney told The Palm Beach Post the reason he took the plea was so his parents wouldn't have to listen to the details of the murder while sitting at the trial.
Ditto also agreed to testify against his homosexual lover Vincent Puglisi, who is scheduled for trial early 2008.
Along with scripting the "Curious George" series, he also co-wrote a series of books with Margret Rey, who created the monkey, along with her husband.
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