People v. Prestidge

The respondent was convicted in the Branch circuit court of the crime of statutory rape on his stepdaughter, Mildred Garmen. The people relied for conviction upon the testimony of Mildred, and also upon a statement, which it is claimed the respondent signed, admitting his guilt soon after being taken into custody by the sheriff. The serious question raised by appellant in this court is with reference to the admission of the claimed confession. Considerable preliminary testimony was taken bearing upon the question as to whether the confession was voluntary. The trial court finally admitted the…