Volunteered statements to police are admissible
Facts Tracy Alexander was observed by a Flowood Police Department officer meeting vehicles near the property where he lived. At trial, the same officer testified that he saw Alexander hand “some type of object” into one of the vehicles. On the basis of this and information received from a confidential informant, a search warrant was […]
No standing to object to search of house when subject doesn’t live there
Facts In 1996, Alvaline Baggett, a detective with the Jackson/Hinds Drug Enforcement Unit, obtained a search warrant for the premises at 1718 Gibraltar Drive. Baggett had obtained information from a confidential informant about drug activity at the residence. Upon entering the residence, Baggett and two other detectives discovered Willie Ray Wallace and another subject trying […]
14 year old can be questioned without a parent in a murder case
Facts In 1996, the bodies of Cecil Amos, Frankie Amos, and Shirley Ann Davis, were found in Cecil Amos’ car, which was parked at the Nanihwaiya Caves in Neshoba County. The three members of the Choctaw tribe had been shot to death. Three days later, the police arrested Timothy Sudberry, and brothers Kenneth Clemons and Bobby […]
Quantity of drugs along with smell and subject’s demeanor enough for constructive possession
Fact In 1993, Deputy Richard Thomas, an officer assigned with the canine division and criminal patrol of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, was on routine patrol when he observed a white Horizon traveling at an excessive speed. Thomas followed the vehicle, clocking the car traveling 65 miles an hour in a 55 mile an hour […]
Exigency allows officers to collect items found in plain view
Facts In 1994, Julius and Rosalyn Jones accompanied Charles Taylor from Louisiana to Pearl River County, Mississippi. They had agreed to assist him in getting himself and Edith Chaves, his girlfriend, to a detox center. Both Taylor and Edith had serious drinking problems and both were under the influence that day. In fact, Edith had recently […]
Moving an item to see if it is stolen is not a plain view seizure
Fact In 1996, Robert Thaddison spoke with Officer Frank Leggett concerning an alleged kidnaping and aggravated assault which was allegedly perpetrated upon him by Cornelius Godbold. Mr. Thaddison signed an affidavit concerning these matters and an arrest warrant was issued for the arrest of Godbold. A few days later, Godbold called the Sheriff’s Office to inquire […]