Commonwealth v. Heckathorn

Opinion by

Me. Chief Justice Bell,

On October 6, 1965, the body of Clair Heckathorn, a farmer and resident of Mercer County, was found shot to death in his home. Shortly thereafter, the defendant, aged 16 years, was arrested and committed to Mercer County jail. He submitted to questioning by the arresting officers for several two-hour periods, both on October 6th and 7th. On October 7, defendant was taken to his father’s home and, with his father’s permission, a search was conducted which uncovered a revolver later found to bear evidence of defendant’s fingerprints.

On the morning of October 8,…