GOSHEN, N.Y. (AP) — A New York state trooper says a woman accused of fatally sabotaging her fiance's kayak on the Hudson River told an investigator, "I'm free" after confessing to the crime.

The testimony came during a court hearing Thursday on whether statements 36-year-old Angelika Graswald made to police can be used during her upcoming trial on murder and manslaughter charges.

Police say she admitted removing a drain plug from Vincent Viafore's kayak in April 2015 and pushing a floating paddle away from him after his kayak capsized.

Viafore drowned. Graswald has pleaded not guilty.

Investigator Anthony DaSilva said Graswald made the statement 10 days later as they were on a boat during the search for Viafore's body. Graswald told investigators she and Viafore had problems and he had postponed their engagement.