Opinion ID: 2574897
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Sharp was particularly vulnerable

Text: Finally, Sharp claims that her personal circumstances  young, homeless, recently divorced, with two small children  placed her in a particularly vulnerable position. Without her elaboration, arguably these relate to her mental condition during the interview. See Brown, 285 Kan. 261, 173 P.3d 612. The trial court specifically found, however, that (1) [a]t no time did she appear that she's under duress; (2) [a]t no time did it appear she was under duress, coercion, operating under any promises; and (3) she appears very relaxed [and] candid, [h]er responses were very clear, she was cooperative. These findings are supported by substantial competent evidence, e.g., the audio and visual recording of her interviews and re-enactment. In sum, Sharp primarily alleges only one factor stated in Brown as bearing on the question of the voluntariness of her confession: unfairness of Wheeles in conducting the interview. That factor was in two parts: (1) promise of leniency/immunity, i.e., no jail; and (2) promise to help her and her kids find a place to stay. She also makes general references to her vulnerability. As mentioned, the trial court findings rejecting the presence of these factors are supported by substantial competent evidence. The trial court also made findings regarding other factors in the totality of circumstances calculus for reviewing voluntariness. For example, it found that Sharp was Mirandized; she voluntarily gave up her Miranda rights; she did not appear to be under the influence of anything; the detention length was not unusual; she was given things to drink; and she was cooperative. Sharp does not argue on appeal that these findings are not supported by substantial competent evidence. Accordingly, under the totality of the circumstances, Sharp has failed to establish that Wheeles' conduct unfairly deprived her of her free and independent will. Her statements were properly admitted at trial as voluntarily made.