It was a controversial statement that, once found inadmissible, derailed Anne Arundel County prosecutors? trial of Leeander Jerome Blake, 21, who was accused of a carjacking and murder in historic Annapolis.
But a federal judge ruled Monday that the same statement ? which Maryland?s highest state court ruled that police improperly obtained ? will be allowed during Blake?s upcoming federal trial.
U.S. District Court Judge William Nickerson said Monday he would allow a statement Blake made to police in which he admitted being involved at the scene where StraughanLee Griffin, of Annapolis, was shot and killed in front of his home on Sept. 19, 2002.
The ruling gives federal prosecutors more ammunition in the high-profile case that nagged Anne Arundel County State?s Attorney Frank Weathersbee and even became a campaign issue.
“Judge Nickerson?s decision was based on all the facts that were introduced today and that record was different than what the Anne Arundel County judge heard,” Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said.
At issue Monday was an incriminating statement made by Blake while in Annapolis police custody after his arrest.
During his detention, Blake initially asked for an attorney, and detectives declined to interview him, presenting him with first-degree murder charges while in a holding cell.
But after giving Blake the written charges ? which incorrectly informed Blake, who was 17 at the time, that he faced the death penalty ? Officer Curtis Reese said: “I bet you want to talk now, huh!”
Blake later told detectives he no longer wished to have an attorney and told police: “I understand I was wrong by being there, but I don?t want to be blamed for the murder,” reported Det. William Johns in court on Monday.
An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge ruled the statement inadmissible, a decision ultimately upheld by Maryland?s highest court.
Blake?s co-defendant in the case, Terrence Tolbert ? who said Blake was the gunman ? was convicted of first-degree murder in Anne Arundel County and sentenced to life in prison.
Several of Griffin?s friends and family members, including some from out of state, attended the hearing, and some cried as the detective recounted the details of their loved one?s death.
