OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The attorney for one of four Osceola County teens accused of robbing and murdering a man in 2013 tried to get evidence against his client thrown out.
Konrad Schafer, 17, is facing first-degree murder charges for his alleged role in 22-year-old Eric Roopnarine's killing.
Schafer's attorney argued his client's confession was not admissible because Schafer invoked his right to remain silent.
The judge did not agree with that but said the confession, which is a key piece of evidence in the case, still may not be voluntary.
"That's why I demand justice and justice and justice," said Roopnarine's grandfather, Kripanand Roopnarine.
Roopnarine's grandfather has been to every hearing in Schafer's case. The teen is accused in the 2013 crime spree that led to the 22-year-old's death.
Schafer was only 15 at the time but will be tried as an adult.
Schafer's attorney, Francis Jennaco, argued detectives used Schafer's age to downplay the charges he may face in order to get a confession.
"You're 15. Generally, they don't put 15-year-olds away for life," said Jennaco.
During the interrogation, Schafer told the detective, "That's all I've got to say, man," and his attorney claimed that was the teen invoking his right to remain silent. The judge disagreed.
"That's not an unequivocal exercise of his right to remain silent," said Judge Jon Morgan.
But Morgan is concerned over statements downplaying the crime and potential punishment, saying that could mean Schafer's confession was not voluntary.
"The mind of the accused should be, at the time, be free to act uninfluenced by fear or hope," said Morgan.
The judge will take the week to review the tape and hear from attorneys on both sides before deciding if Schafer's confession can be used or not.
The trial is set to start June 29.
WFTV
