After Judge Tim Chamber took the a motion to suppress in the case against Billy Craig Jr., under advisement, he did issue a ruling in the matter on Tuesday.
The defense wanted some statements made during taped interviews with law enforcement over the killing of Jennifer Heckel, some prior to him even being charged with murder in the case.
Judge Tim Chambers indicated he had reviewed all the items in the videos numerous times which amounted to 16-hours of video and one hour plus of audio tape.
Judge Chambers ruled that in one case, he believes law enforcement crossed the line when Craig asked whether his attorney is representing him on the homicide? He was told,.”you don’t have a right to an attorney anyway, because you are not charged with murder.”
The judge granted the motion to suppress for statements made on July 19, in a transport vehicle, an interrogation on August 12 and August 24, all in 2011. However, he will allow statements at trial that Craig made on July 19, in the Butler County Jail. He will also allow statements made during interrogation and the administration of a polygraph test on August 10, 2011.
Judge Chambers had earlier denied a change of venue motion in the case, however left open that possibility of granting the motion in October if they can’t find enough impartial jurors for the case to be held here.
Craig is charged with murder and other crimes associated with the killing of Heckel on June 14, 2011. He along with Charles Christopher Logsdon allegedly went to the home of Heckel and killed her while her young son was in the next room listening. Logsdon has already been convicted of the crimes associated with this case. He was sentenced by Judge Trish Rose to 73-years in prison.
Craig is also facing a charge of contempt of court when he refused to testify in the Logsdon trial. He also has a drug case and a computer crimes case pending.
The Billy Craig Jr., trial is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 22.