Ohio man’s confession to killing his family ruled inadmissible in court due to Miranda rights violation
An Ohio man, Chad Doerman, who confessed to police that he killed his family, will not have his statement used in court following a judge’s ruling that his constitutional rights were violated.
Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Richard Ferenc ruled that authorities failed to properly notify Doerman of his Miranda rights, including his right against self-incrimination and his right to an attorney, before interrogating him. Doerman stands trial for the alleged murder of his three sons: 7-year-old Clayton, 4-year-old Hunter, and 3-year-old Chase.
Doerman was arrested on June 15 after police said he used a rifle to kill all three sons, allegedly shooting one in his bedroom and chasing the other two throughout the home and yard before shooting them multiple times. His wife and daughter, who witnessed the shootings, flagged down a neighbor for help.
In the ruling, Judge Ferenc stated that Doerman’s Miranda rights were violated when detectives failed to properly advise him and continued the interrogation after he invoked his right to counsel. As a result, all statements obtained from the interrogation are to be suppressed from the case.
Doerman repeatedly confessed to the murders during his arrest, stating, “I did it. Take me to jail.” He was subsequently charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault.
Despite the ruling on the confession, Doerman’s trial is expected to begin in July.
