Fritzl's Daughter May Have Secretly Attended Court

An intriguing report has surfaced in the aftermath of Josef Fritzl’s surprise guilty plea, the Times of London reports. Though unconfirmed by lawyers on both sides, various outlets say Fritzl’s daughter, Elisabeth, secretly attended much of the Austrian court proceedings. In fact, one source says her presence may have so unnerved her father he decided to admit to all charges. Fritzl faces life in prison at sentencing tomorrow.

“If some of the victims were present yesterday, that certainly must have had a strong trigger effect,” said Fritzl’s attorney. “I didn’t see her in court, but then I can’t see everything.” An Austrian newspaper says Elisabeth, 42, was present while her father was being questioned because she’s writing a book about the ordeal. (More Elisabeth Fritzl stories.)