Jonesboro Shooter Wants Statements Suppressed:
The attorney for Jonesboro gunman Mitchell Johnson wants statements Johnson made to police to be thrown out.
Jack Schisler, assistant federal public defender, made the motion Monday in U.S. District Court. Schisler argued that Johnson was not read his Miranda rights before police began questioning him following a traffic stop. Schisler said Johnson made incriminating statements about his use of marijuana during the questioning.
So, police have to read everybody Miranda rights when they get pulled over for a traffic violation? Spare me.
Schisler contends Johnson was actually placed in custody, handcuffed and locked in the back seat of a patrol car, and questioned by police numerous times during a search of the vehicle. The exchanges were recorded by cameras in the police cars and on officers’ microphones.
Being held in custody and being under arrest are two different things, but I’ll give him points for trying.
If you’ll remember, Johnson was arrested on New Year’s Day 2007 for being in possession of drugs and a weapon. The city turned over the case to the feds, who are trying him on federal weapons charges.
No word yet on when the trial is due to start.
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