Opinion ID: 1728247
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: was the confession erroneously allowed into evidence?

Text: Although the testimony about the confession was in conflict, the trial court found from abundant evidence that Sanford was appropriately advised of his rights and that he confessed knowledgeably without threats, coercion or improper inducements. Moreover, all of the officers who participated in the interrogation gave testimony to its voluntariness in accord with Agee v. State, 185 So.2d 671 (Miss. 1966), and its progeny. The voluntariness was contradicted by Sanford and his mother, but we have long held that such contradictory evidence presents a question of fact to be determined by the trial court. We have consistently held in such cases that upon review this Court will not disturb the trial court's finding unless it appears to be contrary to the evidence. Clemons v. State, 316 So.2d 252 (Miss. 1975); Harrison v. State, 285 So.2d 889 (Miss. 1973); and Ivey v. State, 246 Miss. 117, 149 So.2d 520 (1963). Our opinion is that admitting the confession was not error because ample evidence supported the trial court's determination.