Wednesday, February 17, 1999
Judge says jury can hear murder suspect's statement
BY DAN HORN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A jury will be allowed to hear the taped statement that murder suspect Ralph Lynch gave to police after leading them to the body of a 6-year-old girl.
A Hamilton County judge ruled Tuesday that prosecutors could use the statement against Mr. Lynch because he gave it voluntarily to police.
Prosecutors have said Mr. Lynch, who is charged with aggravated murder and rape, described to police how he strangled Mary Jennifer Love.
The girl's disappearance on June 24 prompted a massive search by police and neighbors, including Mr. Lynch.
More than a week later, prosecutors say, Mr. Lynch admitted his involvement and showed detectives where to find the girl's body.
Mr. Lynch's attorneys had sought to throw out his statements, saying sheriff's detectives violated his constitutional rights.
They argued that the detectives never told Mr. Lynch he was a suspect during more than 15 hours of interviews.
“They had a duty to advise him of his rights from the moment he becomes a suspect,” said John Keller, one of Mr. Lynch's lawyers. “They have done this in a backhanded manner.”
But Prosecutor Mike Allen said the detectives read Mr. Lynch his rights at least twice during his interviews and prior to his arrest.
“Ralph Lynch freely and voluntarily spoke to these detectives,” Mr. Allen said.
Common Pleas Judge Robert Kraft agreed, saying that “law enforcement acted efficiently and prudently.”
“There's no evidence he was abused, intimidated or threatened,” Judge Kraft said. “It was not only good police work, but totally proper.”
Although the judge has not released Mr. Lynch's statement to the public, several detectives testified last week that it included an admission that he strangled the girl to keep her from crying.
If convicted, Mr. Lynch could face a death sentence. His trial is scheduled for June.
Taft faces life-or-death decision
Minister confident heaven awaits Berry
Prosecutor: Whipping daughter was murder
Ky. assembly could let Turfway add casino
Winburn pulls back electoral proposal
1,000 volunteer to search for Erica
Online therapy for MS
Teacher waives right to speedy trial
Uncle Sam wants dropouts, too
Flu cases below average
More foreheads showing ash cross
Riverfront tower landmark idea toppled
Top skater stays busy off the ice
Woman held on fake-ID charge
Couple appeal in fight for tot
Flynt trial could be delayed again
Judge says jury can hear murder suspect's statement
Museum celebrates posters
City to look at 12th Street plans
Fairfield schools aim higher on sixth-grade tests
Fire merger takes shape
Flaws found in planetarium deal
Landmark for Butler Co.
Local police talent recognized
Middletown board agrees to decide on mall plan
New bridge in Newport a challenge
Ohio 747 spot to get fixed early
Police: Man dodged 5 shots
Pride learned through a play
Regional vs. local focus of meeting
Roosters have to go, court rules
Sergeant is evaluated
Teacher directs 7th-graders to link science and writing
TRISTATE DIGEST
Village seeks outside help on landfill
Water pact could curb annexation
YMCA plans to open four Dearborn Co. facilities
