Opinion ID: 2976881
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Coomer’s Confessions

Text: Once the officers were in the apartment, Coomer asked them to be quiet because her twoyear old son was asleep and offered them refreshments. They all sat at the kitchen table, and Kucyk indicated that he wanted to speak about Iverson. Kucyk testified that, at that point, Coomer became shaken, concerned, and hysterical. Coomer asked if she could get her cigarettes from her bedroom, which she did, and proceeded to tell the officers “the whole story.” (JA at 136.) Coomer then confessed her involvement in the Iverson murder. Few questions were asked of her; most of her oral statements were offered in a continuous narrative over the next thirty minutes. Coomer testified that while she cried at various points during her statements, she had otherwise calmed down once she began to speak. She also conceded at trial that the oral statement was voluntary, and not compelled or coerced. After giving this oral statement, Coomer prepared a written statement for the police. This written statement was later excluded by the state trial court and is not the subject of this appeal. After writing down her statement, Sergeant Kucyk asked if Coomer would accompany him to the sheriff’s department. Coomer agreed and was allowed to arrange for a babysitter for her son. Coomer was transported by Sergeants Sanborn and Roberts and was provided with cigarettes and a soda on the way to the station, arriving at approximately 3:30 a.m. At the station, Coomer was escorted to an interview room, where Kucyk joined them. Kucyk had last seen Coomer about an hour earlier in her apartment. Kucyk told Coomer that the circumstances had changed, that she was now in custody, and that he was required to read her Miranda rights. Coomer was given Miranda warnings at 3:40 a.m. and was offered a waiver of rights form dated December 31, 1996. Coomer declined an offer of food. Kucyk then intimated that he wished to question her some more. Coomer agreed and repeated her story, adding some minor details of the crime. This statement lasted about thirty to forty-five minutes, and Coomer acknowledged at the trial court hearing that she waived her rights and spoke freely with the officers.