Miranda issue surfaces in teen dismemberment case

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - April 23, 2012 (WPVI) -- The lawyer for a man accused of killing and dismembering a Pennsylvania teen wants statements made to police barred from trial because the man had a lawyer at the time he was questioned, but that lawyer was not notified of the questioning.

The attorney for Laquanta Chapman claims the interviews conducted following his November 2008 arrest on gun and drug charges violated Miranda rights.

Authorities say Chapman butchered dogs in the basement of his Coatesville home to cover up the killing and dismemberment of 16-year-old Aaron Turner, who disappeared a year earlier. His body was never found.

The Daily Local News reports police testified Friday Chapman waived his right to have an attorney present. The judge did not immediately rule.

A second man has already pleaded guilty and is expected to testify.

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Information from: Daily Local News

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