Opinion ID: 853947
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Berry's Statement Was Admissible

Text: Berry maintains that his statement to Detective Leslie VanBuskirk was involuntary. He claims that the detective had promised him immunity and that his right against self-incrimination had been violated. The voluntariness of a confession is to be determined from a totality of the circumstances. Johnson v. State, 269 Ind. 370, 380 N.E.2d 1236 (Ind.1978). The State bears the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant voluntarily and intelligently waived his rights, and that the defendant's confession was voluntarily given. Owens v. State, 427 N.E.2d 880 (Ind.1981). We review the record for evidence of inducement by way of violence, threats, promises, or other improper influence. Id. We do not re-weigh the evidence, but rather determine whether there is substantial evidence to support the trial court's findings. Baker v. State, 272 Ind. 554, 400 N.E.2d 137 (1980); Sotelo v. State, 264 Ind. 298, 342 N.E.2d 844 (1976). In the case at bar, the trial court determined that Berry voluntarily and intelligently waived his right against self-incrimination when he provided a tape-recorded statement to Detective VanBuskirk. Berry acknowledged that the detective read him his rights twice. Moreover, Berry reassured the detective a number of times during the conversation that he understood everything she was saying to him. (Supp. R. at 34-35.) [2] We find no evidence to support Berry's claims of an offer of immunity or any other improper promises. While under oath, Detective VanBuskirk testified that she did not promise immunity and never promised not to prosecute Berry for his crimes. Berry also answered in the affirmative when asked if he had given his statement free of force, threats, or promises. Finally, Berry never requested to speak with an attorney regarding the instant charges. At no point during the taking of his statement did Berry say that he wished to speak with one of his attorneys, though he did have representation for the unrelated offense. There is sufficient evidence to support the trial court's decision to admit Berry's confession.