(WSBT) A sheriff's detective testified Thursday that a convicted murderer admitted strangling and then stabbing 16-year-old Stephanie Wagner.

Wagner was found stabbed to death Wednesday night in a field in the town of Royal Center. She worked as a waitress at the Indianhead Restaurant in Winamac, while 41-year-old Danny Rouse worked as a dishwasher.

Police say Rouse confessed to Wagner’s murder, even drawing a map where to find the body. Rouse had been released 7 months ago from prison, after serving 26 years for the murder of a 5-year-old Kansas boy in 1979.

Friends and co-workers who knew Stephanie say she was a quiet, sweet, and hard-working girl. Many in the town say they are stunned by such a cold-blooded murder.

“I known them for a few years and I love ’em; they’re good people,” said Mike Fitousis, who owns the restaurant. “And you know it’s their only daughter, 16-year-old kid...it’s hard, it’s hard to take.”

“We were been in touch with the crisis team, and we got crisis people in place. And I think the neat thing -- it shows you a little bit about our town -- is that we’ve had so much schools contact us, and ministers, and community members, and said if we need anything we’re there for you,” said Bob Brock, principal of Royal Center Pioneer Junior/Senior High School.

One thing the police still don't have is the murder weapon. Police and canine units have been scouring the field looking for the murder weapon.