PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - An evidence suppression hearing for a Maine man who wants his confession to killing a sheriff’s deputy kept out of his upcoming trial ended Monday without him testifying about alleged abuse by arresting officers.
There was no need for John Williams to testify about his mistreatment, defense lawyer Verne Paradie said. His client was recently examined by a forensic psychologist, Dr. Sarah Miller, who produced an impounded report in which Williams outlined the alleged abuse in detail, Paradie said. Miller testified Monday.
The report will be part of the record used by Justice Robert Mullen in determining whether the confession should be suppressed when Williams stands trial in June.
The defense contends that Williams was beaten and kicked, tired and hungry, and just wanted to avoid further harm when he twice waived his right to consult an attorney and confessed to police, going so far as to act out his interactions with law enforcement.
Somerset Sheriff’s Department Cpl. Cole was the first police officer to be killed in the line of duty in nearly 30 years in Maine. Williams allegedly told police that he “eliminated” the deputy on April 25 because he was angry with him for arresting his fiancée a few days earlier.
Williams was arrested outside a remote cabin April 28 after a massive manhunt. He was shirtless and shoeless when he was captured and appeared exhausted when he was led out of the woods.
Police say Williams got a black eye while resisting during his arrest.
Paradie contends that Williams did not resist and was beaten. He also says Williams was suffering from drug withdrawal, hadn’t slept, and hadn’t eaten when state police detectives interrogated him.
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