People v. Trout

A jury found defendant guilty of robbery of the first degree and kidnaping for the purpose of robbery. Defendant’s principal contention is that an oral confession which he gave to the police was involuntary and that the court therefore erred in receiving evidence on the subject.

On December 22, 1957, about 8 p. m., an armed man, subsequently identified as Allen Heeht, forced his way into the home of Blaine Groo, the manager of a market in Oaldand. Heeht summoned a second gunman, whom he called “Ralph,” and the two men compelled Mr. and Mrs. Groo to go with them to the market. On the way Heeht…