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Jessica Funk-Haslam Murder: Ryan Roberts Makes First Court Appearance In Teen's Death

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The man accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl in a Rosemont park appeared before a judge on Friday.

The family of Jessica Funk-Haslam attended today's court hearing to Ryan Roberts, 23.

At times, the suspect seemed to be more interested in who else was in court than listening to the charge against him.

"The defendant with malice and forethought murdered Jessica Funk-Haslam, a human being."

His appearance comes just a day after his arrest in the 13-year-old's murder. Funk-Haslam was discovered stabbed and strangled more than a year ago in Rosemont Community Park.

Members of the community were also in attendance.

"I'm here, just because I care. I care about Jessica. I care about Rosemont.

Nobody wanted to talk on Friday at the suspect's home, which is just over a mile from the murder scene.

Jessica's mother spoke briefly before the appearance.

"I knew that we would always find somebody, I never doubted it, and I'm very happy with them, but I need to cut you guys off now, because his time is very valuable and I have questions for him."

The district attorney said DNA gathered from a previous incident led them to Roberts.

CBS13 spoke exclusively to Roberts' estranged wife, who did not want to be identified. She says it was back in May that Roberts became jealous and attacked and raped her.

"He was grabbing my neck, and trying to break it military-style."

She called deputies, and while no case was ever filed, they had Roberts' DNA because of a 2004 voter-approved law that allows the collection of DNA from felony suspects regardless of a conviction.

Despite it all, his wife is unsure if her husband is a killer.

"I hope it's not him, but whoever it is, I hope they are found."

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