UNIONTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A Western Pennsylvania judge says prosecutors can use a murder suspect statements to police despite a defense claim that smoking marijuana before questioning had impaired his judgment.
Judge Linda Cordaro ruled Tuesday that 21-year-old Hasani Simpkins understood his right to remain silent before describing last November’s shooting.
Simpkins is charged with criminal homicide in the death of high school football star Darrell Ross in Uniontown, about 45 miles south of Pittsburgh.
Prosecutors say the former Philadelphia man shot the 17-year-old in a bedroom during a house party. Police say they found Simpkins hiding outside and the gun nearby.
Prosecutors say Simpkins initially claimed Ross died playing Russian Roulette. Five days later, they say, he admitted shooting Ross in the back of the head.
Simpkins’ lawyer contends it was an accident.
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