The attorney for an animal research technician charged with killing Yale University

The attorney for an animal research technician charged with killing Yale University graduate student Annie Le says his client, Raymond Clark III, plans to plead guilty today, his attorney said.

Public defender Joseph Lopez said Clark, who is charged with strangling 24-year-old Annie Le of Placerville, Calif. days before her wedding in September 2009, would plead guilty in New Haven Superior Court. He said it was part of a plea deal, but would not specify the charges.

“We anticipate a change of plea on Thursday,” Lopez said Tuesday. “This appears to be in the best interests of our client.”

Prosecutor John Waddock said there was a “substantial likelihood” of a change of plea Thursday. He declined further comment.

Le’s body was found stuffed behind a research lab wall on the day she was supposed to get married.

The question is why? Asian festish? Animal rights? What else?