Oliver v. State

John E. Jennings, Judge.

Benjamin Oliver was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of George Dove. Prior to trial, the circuit court conducted a Denno hearing after Oliver moved to suppress a statement he gave to the police. The court ruled that Oliver’s statement was admissible and after a jury trial he was found guilty. Oliver was sentenced to sixty years in prison.

His sole argument on appeal is that the trial court erred in admitting his confession absent the testimony of a material witness. We agree and reverse and remand.

At the suppression hearing, Oliver…