EXCLUSIVE: Nicholas Stanley, arrested for murder of sex offender, speaks to ABC57 from behind bars

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- ABC57's Annie Kate spoke to Nicholas Stanley Wednesday via remote video visitation, as he sits behind bars at the Elkhart County Jail. What he said, with our cameras rolling, turned out to be a full confession.

"We are recording everything. We are 100% on the record. Anything you say, we can report on the news," Annie Kate said, before asking him what happened on June 24.

Stanley started his story. He said he couldn't sleep, thinking about something he recently learned; that 35-year-old Allen Cogswell was released from prison in May, and staying at the Daylite Inn in Elkhart.

Cogswell was convicted in 2018 of child molestation, and Stanley is a relative of that young victim.

Here is what Stanley said happened June 24.

"So I walked in, grabbed my gun, and I drove out to go find him. And then when I found him, I did what I had to. I took him out," Stanley said. "I'm tired of pretending like I did something wrong. You know, I don't feel like I did anything wrong, and there are thousands of people out there who agree with me. I'm just tired of pretending that I have to be scared of the system when he obviously wasn't scared of the system. And now I'm going to get more time putting this piece of trash out, than he ever got for hurting my family and the ones that I love. So, if the system wants to throw me away, let them. I don't even care anymore."

This is what Stanley said as the video call was cut off. The interview picked back up on the phone.

"I've been obsessed with him for the past couple of years," Stanley said. "That's why when he got released, I lost my mind. I literally lost my job. I just was like on a one-set path, man. As soon as he got out, he wasn't making it very far."

He said his rage started when he found out about Cogswell's crime.

"Unfortunately, people told me to let the law handle it," Stanley said. "'They'll get him, they'll handle it. He'll pay for it.' What happened to that?"

Cogswell was released in late May after serving nearly seven years of a 12-year sentence, and Stanley said the convicted sex offender could not hide from him once he got out.

Annie Kate asked the 35-year-old if he understood the consequences he faces if he's convicted of murder and sentenced to the minimum of 45 years in prison.

"I know I'm going to miss out on my kids, and basically the rest of their whole lives," he said. "But, I don't regret protecting my family."

And, Kate asked what he wanted to say to his family from behind bars.

"I love you guys, keep your heads up, don't worry about me," Stanley said. "Live your life. Have the best life you possibly can. That's pretty much it. And I hope I get out to enjoy the rest of my life with them."

Stanley appeared to maintain his innocence when police initially arrested him, according to the probable cause affidavit, but now he says he's coming clean.

ABC57 is actively looking to speak with Allen Cogswell's family.

ABC57 also reached out to the Elkhart County Prosecutor earlier this week, and she said it wouldn't be ethical to comment on a pending case.

Stanley’s bail hearing in this case, where he will make a plea, is Thursday morning at 8:30.