Virginia Lacrosse Murder Case Goes to Grand Jury

April 11, 2011— -- When University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely was questioned by police about the bludgeoning death of his ex-girlfriend, a detective told him bluntly, "She's dead, you killed her George, you killed her."

The police interview was read in court today during a preliminary hearing in the Charlottesville, Va., general district court. After nine hours of testimony, a judge ruled that the case will go to a grand jury.

He said there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed in the May 3, 2010 death of Yeardley Love, Huguely's on-again off-again girlfriend. Both were members of the school's nationally ranked lacrosse teams.

Huguely, 23, waived his right to appear before the judge at the preliminary hearing. His lawyer Fran Lawrence told the court that his client did not intend to kill Love. Lawrence read from a detective's report in which he said during his interview with Huguely, "She's dead, you killed her George, you killed her," according to ABC News affiliate WTBD.

According to the detective's report, Huguely replied in disbelief, "I never did anything that could do that to her."

Defense attorneys for Huguely have argued that Love's death was caused by drugs and not by a brutal beating.

The 22-year-old Love was found face down and bloodied in her Charlottesville, Va., apartment. Her death came days after she told Huguely she was breaking off their relationship.

Love's family issued a statement before today's hearing.

"We have faith in the justice system and trust that the truth will prevail," the family said. "We miss Yeardley so very much and will work tirelessly to honor her legacy. It is truly devastating to wake up each day and realize she is no longer here."

The Loves' statement continues: "Her bright, bright future was stolen from us all. Yeardley's contagious smile, kind spirit and gentle touch have left this world but we know heaven now has an angel like no other. We will never be able to sufficiently thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support and prayers. They have given us the strength to continue and we are eternally grateful to each and every one of them. "

Huguely's attorney has argued that Love's murder was a tragic accident, and Huguely at the time waived his Miranda rights and told authorities exactly what had happened the night she was killed.

Huguely confessed to police, according to search warrants in the case, that in the early morning hours of May 3, 2010, he kicked in the door to Love's bedroom and shook her violently, repeatedly banging her head against the wall.

Love's body was found later that day after an early morning 911 call, face down on her pillow in a pool of blood. Her face was covered in scrapes and bruises, according to the warrant, and her right eye was swollen shut.