A psychologist testified yesterday that public defense attorney Luis Fernando Burgos confessed to his ex-girlfriend Zulay Rojas that he strangled and killed his wife Mauren Hidalgo.

Psychologist Yolanda Batrez counseled Rojas, a former state prosecutor and Burgos' former girlfriend, after the alleged murder took place last year. Testifying in this highly publicized case, the psychologist said Rojas showed signs of post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) when she told Batrez that Burgos had confessed to his wife's murder.

“Burgos told her that (sigh), he had strangled his wife,” Batrez testified.

Burgos is being tried for first-degree murder. Rojas is also implicated in the case, in which there is little physical evidence, for allegedly covering up Burgos' confession and helping him take care of the body (TT, Aug. 10).

Batrez said Rojas suffered from insomnia, nightmares, and a general loss of interest after hearing the alleged murder confession.

“She was suffering an absolute terror that didn't go away day and night,” Batrez said.

Rojas sat at the defendant's stand with her head bowed during much of the testimony.

According to Judicial Branch spokesman Federico Vanegas, two more witnesses are to appear tomorrow and then the case will be postponed until Sept. 3, when Burgos will testify