Criminal Justice Cap Unit 2 Scenario Part 1
On March 12, 2014, at approximately 2200 hours, the Sunnyville, Utah Police Department received a 911 call of an armed robbery at 201 SE 2nd Ave. Upon the police arriving on scene, Victim 1, Luke Roberts, had been shot in the head and deceased. Victim 2, Liam O’Neil, was pistol-whipped.
Both victims were robbed of their cell phones and wallets at gunpoint. Liam O’Neil was able to identify both suspects and the getaway vehicle. A short distance away, police stopped the suspect vehicle with two Caucasian males that matched the description provided by Mr. O’Neil. After the two suspects were positively identified, they were arrested and brought to the police station for interviews.
Before the police interviewed the suspects, they read them their Miranda rights. Suspect 1 refused to speak to the police, invoked his Miranda rights, and stated that he wanted a lawyer. The police began asking Suspect 2 specific questions about the crime. Suspect 2 stated “I’m not sure I should talk to you,” but then hesitantly proceeded to answers questions, making several incriminating statements.
Criminal Justice Cap Unit 2 Scenario Part 2
The police conducted a second interview. As Suspect 2, Keith Hopkins, waited for the detective to speak to him again, he appeared to be deleting messages from his phone. As the second interview began, Hopkins admitted to hiding the stolen property from both victims inside his residence located at 1106 SE 9th Ave.
He stated that the victim’s property was hidden in a laundry basket in his bedroom. He also stated that Suspect 1, Steve Chapman, hid the gun used in the robbery in the attic of his house under the insulation. You suspected that there may also be additional evidence in the house, but Keith Hopkins will no longer provide you with any information.
The police asked Mr. Hopkins for consent to search his residence, but he immediately remembered an episode of his favorite police show and refused to give you permission to search his house for the evidence.
As the lead detective, you have decided to secure the residence, and you proceed with a search warrant.
Because you have a strong legal background, you know that there are several criminal charges that could apply to this incident. Check the Utah State Legislature to research possible charges. Review all of the facts from the case to determine the most appropriate charges. Be sure to address both suspects.
What charges do you recommend filing against the suspect(s)?
- What type of homicide charge would be most appropriate, given the facts presented to you?
- Will their charges be the same?
- Elaborate on the probable cause. Explain your answer.
- What other crimes have the suspects committed?
- What is your basis for these additional charges?
400-600 words, APA Format