An animal research technician charged with killing a Yale University graduate student days before her wedding plans to plead guilty Thursday, his attorney said.

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

"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 in September 2009.

The crime drew intense national media attention and prompted the New Haven Register to print a rare extra edition announcing Clark's arrest.

Le and her fiance, Jonathan Widawsky, planned to marry on Long Island, New York, and honeymoon in Greece. Instead, family and friends held a memorial service later that month where Le was remembered for her academic success, sense of humor, ambition, love for shoe shopping and love for her fiance.