During a trial for three counts of second-degree murder, a voir dire was held to determine the voluntariness of the accused's videotaped statement to police.
The accused, who was self-represented with the assistance of amicus curiae, argued the statement was involuntary due to excessive force during arrest, oppressive conditions in custody, and a lack of an operating mind.
The court found that the police use of force was a reasonable response to the accused's resistance, the custody conditions were not oppressive, and the accused demonstrated an operating mind throughout the interview.
The statement was ruled voluntary and admissible.
