Self-Incrimination and Mind Games; The Interrogation of Minors

Self-Incrimination and Mind Games; The Interrogation of Minors

Robert C. Phillips
Deputy District Attorney (Ret.)
January, 2016

Thirteen-year-old Elias V. lived with his parents in an apartment complex in Santa Rosa.  His friend, nine-year-old Hector T. and Hector’s three-year-old sister, A.T., lived across the hall.  On October 6, 2012, the three of them were in a bedroom in Hector’s apartment playing video games; Hector sitting on the floor and Elias on the bed.  A.T. was also on the bed. 

At some point Hector’s mother, Aurora, interrupted their privacy, entering the room just as Elias was attempting to help A.T. remove her pants.  When Aurora asked what was going on, a “surprised” and “scared” Elias responded that A.T. had asked him for help taking her pants off so she could go to the bathroom. 

Neither Aurora nor Hector saw ....