Opinion ID: 3134058
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: middleton’s confession

Text: During the trial, the State played Middleton’s interview videos for the jury, including the fifth and final video in which Middleton ultimately confessed to the murder. Detective Faulkner and Assistant State Attorney Ashley Albright were present during Detective Maerki’s questioning of Middleton. The recording of the first interview, which was conducted in Detective Maerki’s office, could not subsequently be retrieved. As a precautionary measure, the second and third -6- interviews were conducted using the computer equipment located in Detective Faulkner’s office. Maerki read Middleton his rights, as detailed on a Miranda2 card. Maerki detected an odor of alcohol on Middleton, and also noticed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery. He was surprised that Middleton did not have slurred speech and that his coordination was fine. He stated that Middleton seemed to be fully aware of everything that was happening during the interrogation. Middleton told Maerki that everything happened so fast that he never checked to see if the victim had any money. He stated that he thought the victim ended up in the hallway, and he did not remember cutting her throat. He told Maerki that after the murder, he did not bathe, and he only washed his hands. Middleton admitted that he acted alone. He told the police the location of the dumpster where he threw the bag with his clothes and the murder weapon. He stated that he kept his boots on and put them in the trunk of Britnell’s small black car. He admitted to selling the television later that night to Rolland Ammons for $200 and using the money to purchase more drugs.