State v. Koput

Harold Koput appeals from a judgment convicting him of first-degree murder and from an order denying his postconviction motion for a new trial. We hold that although Koput’s constitutional rights to counsel and to remain silent were not violated, Koput was denied his constitutional right to a unanimous verdict in the responsibility phase of his bifurcated trial. We therefore reverse the judgment and the order and remand for a new trial.

In March, 1983, a woman was murdered by an unknown assailant. On October 4,1983, Koput spoke to his priest who, with Koput’s permission, called the Milwaukee…