La Crosse, WI (WXOW) - An attempt Friday by the attorney of a man charged with the shooting death of a La Crosse woman early this year to have statements made to the police thrown out.
Kong Vue is awaiting prosecution for shooting Sarah Hougom in her apartment March 26th.
Vue's attorney, Mark Lawton, argued that Vue's rights were violated upon initial contact with authorities. Lawton argued that Vue wasn't read his Miranda rights when he first met with police nor was he initially placed under arrest.
He also claimed that Vue was not given a chance to leave when he asked to go.
Assistant District Attorney Emily Hynek countered that Vue was clearly told he could leave at any time, but voluntarily surrendered information.
After the first of three interviews, Vue was read his Miranda rights.
Following a polygraph test and a the third interview, he was placed under arrest.
Judge Todd Bjerke decided that authorities involved didn't do anything to violate Vue's rights while interviewing him, do denied the defense motion.
"Obviously things change at that point when somebody makes a confession. Now apparently when someone admits to being involved in a homicide, they weren't ready to let him go," said Judge Bjerke.
Vue is scheduled for a return to court on August 30th at 9am.
Co-defendant Pao Choua Vue is being tried separately for his role in the shooting death.
