Opinion ID: 2613228
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: March 28 interview

Text: On March 28, 1986, defendant was interviewed by Officers McCarthy and Keate concerning the murders of Castro and Holmes. Officer McCarthy told defendant the purpose of the interview, and defendant replied, fine. When McCarthy brought out a tape recorder, defendant objected, stating No tape recording, I don't want to incriminate myself. The recorder was not used. Officer McCarthy thereupon read defendant his Miranda rights (see Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 436, 444-445 [16 L.Ed.2d 694, 706-707, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 10 A.L.R.3d 974]), and defendant confirmed that he understood those rights and wished to talk with the officers. Defendant was also informed he could terminate the interview at any time. The ensuing interview lasted around two and one-half hours. During its course, McCarthy explained that defendant would be charged with the two murders, and defendant (1) bragged that his mother would hire a high price lawyer out of New York to defend him, (2) inquired of possible penalties for the murders, and (3) initiated the possibility of a plea bargain. When informed that he might be charged with offenses carrying the death penalty, defendant stated, Maybe I ought to talk to a lawyer, you might be bluffing, you might not have enough to charge murder. Officer McCarthy thereupon asked defendant if he wanted to talk to a lawyer at that point, and defendant made no direct reply except to repeat that he thought McCarthy was bluffing. Defendant, stating This is off the record, next asked Officer McCarthy if a 10-year sentence was possible for the murder charges. McCarthy replied that the matter of sentence was up to the district attorney, the court and defendant's counsel. Defendant acknowledged he was worried about receiving a death sentence. (As explained below, the foregoing off the record discussion about sentencing was ruled inadmissible.) Defendant next asked Officer McCarthy to Tell me what you have and I might make you a proposition. McCarthy replied that he customarily did not disclose evidentiary details. Defendant indicated that he would not say anything without some kind of arrangement. He also declared that I probably did do it, but you are not going to get me to say I did do it. Defendant then asked McCarthy to approach the district attorney and negotiate a 10-year sentence for the murder charges.