State v. Cumber

The State of Wisconsin appeals from an order suppressing an inculpatory statement given to the police by the defendant-respondent, John F. Cumber. The sole issue is whether the trial court erred in determining that the statement, though not coerced, was nonetheless involuntary when viewed in light of the totality of the circumstances. We are satisfied that there was no error and affirm.

Cumber, a nineteen-year old man of limited intelligence, was questioned by police with regard to a complaint that he had had sexual contact with a person under the age of twelve years. The offense is a Class B…