In the course of investigating a series of purse-snatch robberies in which one
of the victims died of injuries. Stewart was
identified of checks stolen in one of the robberies.
Steward was arrested at his home. Police also arrested Stewart’s wife and
three other people who were visiting him. Stewart was placed in a cell,
and, over the next five days, was interrogated on nine different
occasions. During the ninth interrogation session, Stewart stated that he
had robbed the deceased, but had not meant to hurt her. At that time,
police released the four other people arrested with Stewart because there was
no evidence to connect any of them with the crime. At trial, Stewart’s
statements were introduced. Stewart was convicted of robbery and
first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The Supreme Court of
California reversed, holding that Stewart should have been advised of his right
to remain silent and his right to counsel.
of the victims died of injuries. Stewart was
identified of checks stolen in one of the robberies.
Steward was arrested at his home. Police also arrested Stewart’s wife and
three other people who were visiting him. Stewart was placed in a cell,
and, over the next five days, was interrogated on nine different
occasions. During the ninth interrogation session, Stewart stated that he
had robbed the deceased, but had not meant to hurt her. At that time,
police released the four other people arrested with Stewart because there was
no evidence to connect any of them with the crime. At trial, Stewart’s
statements were introduced. Stewart was convicted of robbery and
first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The Supreme Court of
California reversed, holding that Stewart should have been advised of his right
to remain silent and his right to counsel.