An Ohio father charged with the execution-style murder of his three young sons has requested a court to discard his statements to the police, alleging his rights were violated during interrogation.
Chad Doerman, 32, appeared in court this week, challenging the admissibility of his confessions to the killings of his sons Clayton, 7, Hunter, 4, and Chase, 3, last June.
Prosecutors highlighted Doerman’s immediate post-arrest statements, including admissions of guilt and expressions of remorse. The accused had reportedly contemplated the murders for eight months prior to the act, facing the death penalty if found guilty of aggravated murder.
At the scene, Clermont County sheriff’s deputies discovered Doerman with a .22 caliber rifle by his side, immediately after the fatal shootings. The incident of Deputy Jeffrey Rudd advising Doerman to remain silent during his arrest has been scrutinized, with Doerman’s defense criticizing the handling of his Miranda rights. Detective Michael Ross admitted to not fully reading Doerman his rights, a point contested during the court hearing.
The defense’s interrogation of Detective Ross revealed concerns over the complete communication of Doerman’s rights, specifically the right to legal representation during questioning. Ross defended his approach, stating his belief in Doerman’s willingness to converse, despite partial reading of the Miranda rights. The court has yet to decide on the motion to dismiss Doerman’s statements.