Graham says his case was a soap opera
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- In the Tarrant County Jail, David Graham has plenty of time to look back over his trial and its themes of sex, revenge and murder.
The case of two military academy students -- Graham and his former fiancee, Diane Zamora -- charged with murdering a 16-year-old high school girl in Grand Prairie drew national attention. Graham still closely follows the newspaper and television coverage.
Graham insists he is innocent but acknowledges that his confession months after the 1995 shooting death of Adrianne Jones sealed his fate -- a capital-murder conviction last month and a life sentence in prison.
"I knew when I signed the confession that was pretty much my future," Graham told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in an interview published Friday. "I realize that it's going to be hard for anyone to believe me. What can I do?"
Graham, 20, a former Air Force Academy cadet, said he confessed to protect Miss Zamora, 20, who was attending the Naval Academy when both were arrested in 1996. Graham's lawyer used the same defense at his trial -- Graham didn't testify -- but the jury didn't buy it.
Graham said he understands the public's fascination with the case.
"Diane and I were people you'd expect to have great futures. It's so out of the ordinary," Graham said. "Plus, Adrianne was like Diane and I -- she was popular and athletic and smart.
"So three people, all three of our lives were destroyed. Plus the love triangle and the sex appeal, it's kind of like a soap opera."
Graham originally said the murder was sparked by Miss Zamora's reaction of jealousy over a sexual encounter he had with Jones. But prosecutors produced witnesses who said they were with Jones at the time Graham claimed he had sex with her, and Graham has changed his story, denying the two had sex.
Graham and Miss Zamora, also sentenced to life in prison, are planning to file appeals. Both face at least 40 years in prison.
In the meantime, Graham spends most of his time reading -- the Bible and Melville, he said -- writing letters, exercising and watching television.
He told the Star-Telegram that he wants to stay out of trouble while in prison, and maybe take some science and math classes.
Graham said he still thinks about Miss Zamora. But, he said emphatically, he no longer loves her.