Miranda Rights were Violated, Attorney Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 29, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a continued motions hearing Oct. 29, a defense attorney said his client’s Miranda Rights were violated.

Sean Baker, 40, was charged with second-degree murder while armed in the Jan. 31 stabbing death of 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th St., Southeast. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill.

Defense attorney, John Fowler, cross-examined a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in an attempt to argue that Baker was being forcefully held prior to being read her Miranda Rights.

The witness made claims in open court that were not consistent with video surveillance evidence from the initial interrogation on Jan. 27.

The defense also motioned to have a voir dire jury, in which jurors are carefully selected to prevent any bias. In the case, the defense wants to ensure that no jurors are biased against a transgender woman. 

The defense also motioned to exclude a GPS expert’s testimony.

This motion hearing has been scheduled to continue on Oct. 30.

Baker who is a transgender woman said she stabbed Wiggins in self defense. Baker, who has been released from jail while awaiting trial, allegedly stabbed Robert Wiggins in the heart during a fight in their apartment last year, according to court documents.