State Ex Rel. Juvenile Department v. Killitz

This case involves the admissibility of incriminating statements made by a junior high school student while being questioned in the principal’s office by a police officer. A resolution of the case turns on whether defendant was in “custody” for Miranda purposes when the statements were made. If he was in custody, the statements are not admissible, because he was not advised of his rights before the interrogation began. If he was not in custody, the statements are admissible.

Defendant was charged with having committed an act that, if done by an adult, would be a violation of ORS 164.215,…