Court Opinion

ID: 9680714
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 07:37:17.177985+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:17:30.102310
License: Public Domain

RAY THORNTON, Justice, dissenting. As the majority points ticRiggs e, held in custody at the hospital from the time she was admitted until the time she gave the statement. During this time, she was not permitted to visit with her family, and her attorney was denied access to her in the hospital. Both her family and her attorney notified the Sherwood Police that she was represented by counsel, and the police recognized this. Notwithstanding the assurances from two officers that they would not question Ms. Riggs, two other officers reported to duty and proceeded to interrogate her. Ms. Riggs’ statement was delusional and incoherent, and was terminated only when she asked the police officer if his mother had trouble with the escalator. There was no escalator in the hospital. Under these circumstances, I differ with the majority on the question of whether her statement was given voluntarily, intelligently, or knowingly. For that reason, I respectfully dissent.