Commonwealth v. Townsend

¶ 1 In the early morning of July 4, 1997, appellant forcibly entered the residence of Tiffany Townsend, his ex-wife, while she and her young daughter were asleep. He struck her in the head, either with his hand or a gun he held, then strangled her. While she escaped momentarily, appellant forced her back inside, then beat and kicked her in the head and arms, and threatened to kill her. When he finally left, he took her high school ring and some photographs.

¶ 2 Trooper Mickey Bowser arrested and interviewed appellant. He testified at trial to incriminating statements appellant made, which had…