The attorney for the Lima man accused of strangling his girlfriend to death wants statements and evidence thrown out of court.
51 year old Raymond Collins Jr. is charged with the murder of Teresa Burge. Lima police officers found her body in their Holmes Avenue home back in January. Police have previously described Collins as Burge's boyfriend. During court today (Aug 21), a motion to suppress hearing was held concerning statements Collins made at St. Rita's Medical Center. At the time, Collins was at the hospital being treated for stab wounds. Defense lawyer Jerry Pitts questioned Detective Scott Leland about not having Collins sign a document to prove his Miranda rights were read to him. Pitts also questioned the legality of police collecting bloody clothing from the hospital.
Judge Jeffrey Reed will review witness testimony and rule on the motions in the coming days. Other motions concerning searches of 1119 Holmes Avenue will be heard at a later date. Judge Richard Warren will oversee those arguments since Judge Reed signed the search warrants. Pitts also said that battered men's syndrome may be used as a possible defense.
