Full title: PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. VICTOR OQUENDO…
Court: STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS
No. 304329
Date published: May 10, 2012
Fact:
The prosecutor charged defendant with two counts of first-degree murder, MCL 750.316(1)(a), two counts of felony murder, MCL 750.316(1)(b), carjacking, MCL 750.529a, armed robbery, MCL 750.529, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony-firearm), MCL 750.227b, and burning of personal property with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000, MCL 750.74(1)(c)(i). After the preliminary examination, the trial court granted defendant’s motion to suppress his statement to police. Specifically, the trial court ruled that the Miranda warnings “were not comprehensively given” and defendant’s confession “was induced by promises of leniency.” The prosecutor appeals and, for the reasons set forth below, we reverse.
Issue:
- Decision:
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- The appellate court reversed the trial court’s decision to grant the defendant’s motion to suppress his statement.
- It held that the defendant knowingly waived his Miranda rights and that his statement was voluntary.
- As a result, the defendant’s statement would be admissible in court.
In summary, the appellate court determined that the defendant’s waiver of his Miranda rights and his subsequent statement during the interrogation were valid, overturning the trial court’s decision to suppress the statement.