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Ohio High Court Faults Law, Orders Teen’s Case Reconsidered
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The Ohio Supreme Court says a state law about electronically recording law enforcement interrogations is unconstitutional as it relates to minors.
This past week’s ruling says the law violates juveniles’ due process rights because it presumes a juvenile’s statements while being questioned are voluntary if recorded.
The court sent the case involving a 15-year-old sentenced in Cincinnati to prison for two 2011 slayings back to an appeals court to determine whether his incriminating statements were voluntary.
Tyshawn Barker was informed of his rights to stay silent and have an attorney but gave indications of not fully understanding.
The court says it’s important that suspects understand such rights and prosecutors prove they’re knowingly waived.
Ohio’s public defender office says the appeals court will determine what happens next in his case.