Opinion ID: 2633125
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Interruptions by Detective Frederickson

Text: The audio recording is replete with instances of Frederickson interrupting Redgebol and Abyei. Early in the interrogation, after Frederickson stated that Redgebol was under arrest for sexual assault, the officer twice interrupted Redgebol's off-topic responses: Frederickson: Yes, okay. You've been arrested for sexual assault, Sebet. Redgebol: [Redgebol speaks for a long time in Dinka] He says Yes, I'm sorry because I've been accused and I am sure that this thing . . . I . . . I've never done it . . .  Frederickson: [interrupting] Okay.    Frederickson: Yes, sir, and this is what I would like to get straightened out today. [Abyei translates and Redgebol starts speaking at length in Dinka] Frederickson: [interrupting] Wait, wait, wait. [laughs] one moment. Later, as Frederickson continued to try without success to explain to Redgebol the right to remain silent, the officer again interrupted Redgebol's response: Redgebol: He says, I will never keep quiet. I have been looking for somebody so that I talk to you for like two days ago, but I found nobody, so since you came [Frederickson started interrupting at this point and speaking over Abyei] I would like to talk to you. Next, the detective cut off Redgebol's response when Redgebol became confused regarding his right against self-incrimination: Frederickson: Well, I certainly want to hear your side of the story, Sebet. [translation done here. Redgebol begins to talk to Abyei before being interrupted by Frederickson] but  but  [interrupting Redgebol] I can't force you to talk. Frederickson again interrupted Redgebol when he replied nonsensically regarding his right to have an attorney present: Redgebol: He says, Yes, it's okay, that advocate can come and question . . .  Frederickson: [interrupting] He said what? Redgebol: The lawyer can come and question him. Frederickson: No, no, sir, it's me asking questions, not the lawyer. [translation] Do you understand what a lawyer is, Sebet? Finally, after Redgebol requested counsel, Detective Frederickson pressed Redgebol to confirm that he was in fact waiving his right to have counsel present. In doing so, Frederickson again spoke over Redgebol: Frederickson: Okay. Sebet, would you answer this question for me, please? [translation] It's not really a question, it's more of a statement. [translation] If you don't have enough money to pay for a lawyer, [Frederickson talks over Redgebol as Redgebol responds to the translation] you can get one for free if you like. [translation] Do you understand that? [translation] Thus, Frederickson repeatedly interrupted Redgebol and Abyei during the interrogation in his effort to complete the advisement. As in Aguilar-Ramos, the detective failed to answer Redgebol's questions or clarify Redgebol's considerable confusion regarding the Miranda rights.