Obregon trial stays in Kenosha County

Andrew Obregon sits behind Kristyne Watson and Carl Johnson, both public defenders, in a motion hearing held in Kenosha County Circuit Court Friday (Jason Arndt/The Report).
Andrew Obregon sits behind Kristyne Watson and Carl Johnson, both public defenders, in a motion hearing held in Kenosha County Circuit Court Friday. (Photo by Jason Arndt)

Judge rejects both defense motions

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Contrary to defense arguments, Andrew Obregon did not endure improper interrogation techniques and was aware of his rights when questioned by authorities following his Oct. 13 arrest in Zion, Ill., according to a Kenosha County Circuit Court judge Friday.

Additionally, Circuit Court judge Chad Kerkman also rejected a motion to change venues, keeping the trial in Kenosha County, after the defense believed Obregon would not get a fair trial.

Obregon, 33, accused in the first-degree intentional homicide of Tywon Anderson in September, faces 26 other felony charges including first-degree attempted intentional homicide during his last attempt to avoid prosecution Oct. 13.

In addition, Obregon is accused of multiple thefts and robbing two Kenosha County convenience stores, along with eluding authorities on several occasions through high-speed pursuits.

If convicted on all charges, Obregon would face a maximum of life imprisonment plus 439 years.

Defense attorneys Kristyne Watson and Carl Johnson claimed Obregon received alleged mistreatment during interrogation following the Oct. 13 arrest, given false promises about the release of his Mother, Susan, and was under the influence or having withdrawals from crack use.

Additionally, the defense contends Obregon suffered physical distress after sustaining bite marks and a gun shot wound to the right arm when taken down by the Zion Police Department and its canine unit, following a high-speed pursuit and subsequent foot chase Oct. 13.

Upon release from Vista Medical Center East at 6 p.m., where he received treatment for injuries in the pursuit, authorities transported him to the Zion Police Department.

“The defendant was told he would be given time to eat, relax and that law enforcement would come by and talk later,” Kerkman stated. “The defendant was alone, he was resting, he was eating.”

According to video taped evidence, detectives reviewed the Miranda Rights with Obregon, which he waived.

“The state was in compliance with the Miranda requirements, that they read the Miranda Rights to the defendant and the defendant voluntarily waived his right and chose to speak,” Kerkman said.

Obregon waived his rights in the next two interviews, Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, even when learning his Mother had not been released.

Citing Obregon’s past contacts with law enforcement, he had always demonstrated a willingness to discuss issues with authorities since 1998.

On allegations Obregon had been under the influence, Detective Jeffrey Bliss of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department testified, stating there were no signs of recent crack use nor withdrawal symptoms.

In summary, Kerkman agreed.

“The defendant stated he last used crack a week prior,” Kerkman summarized. “He did not appear to be confused.”

In regards to his Mother, Susan, arrested and convicted for aiding Obregon on two occasions during his 22-day stretch of crimes, the defense contends that law enforcement gave him empty promises.

“No promises, no threats were made,” Kerkman said.

Regarding a change of venue, the defense claimed Obregon would not received a fair trial, citing “inflammatory” media coverage.

The defense contends that with social media, it is not known how far the news and details extend to.

“With social media, these stories grow exponentially,” Johnson said. “That will make it difficult to find a fair and impartial jury.”

Despite pleas to change the venue, Kerkman stated once the case goes to a jury, nearly one year will have lapsed.

“People have short term memories,” Kerkman said.

The full story will appear in the July 22 edition of the Westosha Report


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