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Md.'s Highest Court Overturns Murder Conviction

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's highest court has overturned a Baltimore County murder conviction over a Miranda rights violation. 

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a Baltimore County detective undermined the Miranda rights of Christian Darrell Lee in 2006. 

After Lee had waived his right to remain silent, he was interrogated by Detective Craig Schrott. During the interrogation, Schrott told Lee: "This is between you and me, bud." After that, Lee admitted to shooting Eric Fountain to death in Dundalk. 

The court ruled that the comment by the detective "was effectively a promise of confidentiality that directly
contradicted" earlier mention of the suspect's Miranda rights. 

The decision sends the matter back to Baltimore County for a new trial. 

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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