Alleged Killer's Cousin Unknowingly Moved Student's Body: Reports

PHILADELPHIA – As the trial for accused Temple University student killer Joshua Hupperterz continues, a new detail emerged in court Wednesday that puts one of Hupperterz's family members in the story of Jenna Burleigh's murder.

According to NBC10, Hupperterz's cousin unknowingly helped him move the 22-year-old student's body.

Erick Carlson — Hupperterz's cousin through marriage — went to Hupperterz's home the day after Burleigh was beaten and strangled to death, according to the outlet.

Carlson helped Hupperterz put a tote bag into Carlson's car, which was then driven to Hupperterz's mother's home in Jenkintown where the bag was dropped off, CBS Philadelphia reports.

He told the court he didn't ask what was in the bag but did say "dang, this is heavy" referring to the tote, CBS reports.

Hupperterz is accused of then putting her body in a plastic bin, then paying a Lyft driver cash to take him to Hawley, Wayne County where he hid her body on his grandmother's property.

Hupperterz also blamed him roommate, Jack Miley, for Burleigh's death, saying he and Burleigh started fighting about sex in his North 16th Street home on Aug. 31 after meeting her at a bar near Temple University.

His attorney argued Burleigh stabbed Hupperterz, then his roommate intervened and strangled her to death.

Miley has not been charged in connection with Burleigh's death.

Hupperterz Tuesday pleaded guilty to abuse of corpse and tampering with evidence charges, but he pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of an instrument of crime.

Image via Philadelphia Police