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He doesn't deny it because his memory has been repressed for 26+ years, ever since the 14-hour interrogation (without an adult or attorney present). He asked for an attorney but the detectives told him it would look bad for him if he had one. They told him if he just confessed, he would only be charged with manslaughter and would be out in 5 years or less. But if he didn't confess, he'd get the death penalty. He was only 17, had never been in trouble, couldn't remember a thing, had just lost his family either at his own hands or someone else's, and was scared to death. So he "confessed" according to what they told him to say. He had no cuts, bruises, or scratches on him. No blood found on him or in his car. No forensic evidence found underneath his fingernails. Just the coerced confession. And of course, once he signed the confession, the detectives kindly informed him it wasn't up to them to charge him with manslaughter or first degree -- it was the decision of the DA. Is he guilty? He doesn't know. Wishes he did know and would accept it either way. He's been an exemplary inmate in prison. He's worked with some of the best psychs in Illinois, all of whom maintain he does not have a homicidal personality. They've tried hypnosis, but to no avail. They say it is too deeply repressed, a defense mechanism. Interesting stuff. I know because I'm writing his book.