Defense motions rejected in Circuit Court Friday
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Contrary to defense arguments, Andrew Obregon did not endure improper interrogation techniques and was aware of his rights when questioned by authorities following his arrest Oct. 13 in Zion, Ill., according to a Kenosha County Circuit Court judge.
Additionally, Circuit Court judge Chad Kerkman on Friday also rejected a motion to change venues, keeping the trial in Kenosha County.
Obregon, 33, accused in the first-degree intentional homicide of Tywon Anderson last September, faces 28 other felony charges including first-degree attempted intentional homicide during his last attempt to avoid capture Oct. 13.
Defense attorneys Kristyne Watson and Carl Johnson claimed Obregon endured alleged mistreatment during interrogation, was given empty promises about the arrest of his mother, Susan, and was under the influence or having withdrawals from crack cocaine use.
Additionally, the defense contends Obregon suffered physical distress after sustaining dog bite marks and a gunshot wound to the right arm when taken down by the Zion Police Department and its canine unit, following a high-speed pursuit and subsequent foot chase Oct. 13.
However, according to video recordings of all interrogations submitted into evidence, there were no signs of law enforcement misconduct.
“The state was in compliance with the Miranda requirements, that they read the Miranda Rights to the defendant and the defendant voluntarily waived his right and chose to speak,” Kerkman said.
Additionally, upon release from Vista Medical Center East at 6 p.m., where he received treatment for injuries in the capture, authorities transported him to the Zion Police Department.
There, detectives gave Obregon 45 minutes to rest, meeting his needs, including a blanket when he complained of being cold, a request to remove his handcuffs, and giving him Gatorade when he felt dehydrated.
Additionally, authorities delivered him McDonald’s food along with a towel to prop up his right arm.
Venue change denied
Regarding a change of venue, the defense claimed Obregon would not received a fair trial, citing “inflammatory” media coverage and statements made by both Racine and Kenosha county sheriff’s offices.
Despite pleas to change the venue, Kerkman stated once the case goes to a jury, nearly one year will have lapsed.
“People have short term memories,” Kerkman said.
With most of the crimes occurring west of Interstate 94, Kerkman said a fair trial is possible within city limits, where most of population lives.
To quell concerns, Kerkman has requested both the prosecution and defense to submit jury questionnaires, with an Aug. 5 deadline for prosecutors and Aug. 19 for the defense.
A complete story on Friday’s hearing will appear in next week’s editions of the Burlington Standard Press, Westine Report and Waterford Post.
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