Case Citation: Nix v. Williams, 467 U.S. 431 (1984)
Parties: Crispus Nix, Plaintiffs / Appellants Robert Anthony Williams, Defendant / Appellee
Facts: After hiring counsel and surrendering to police in Davenport, Iowa, Robert Anthony Williams was arrested for kidnapping and murdering, 10 year old Pamela Powers of Des Moines, Iowa. In the meantime, a massive search went out for the young girl’s body and Robert Anthony Williams was transported back to Des Moines, Iowa. Police confirmed to counsel that they would not question the defendant during the transport, but they did and Williams led them to the body of 10 year old Pamela Powers only a short distance from where the search team was looking. Robert Anthony Williams Miranda
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Before trial, defense counsel filed a Motion to Supress Evidence (the body and other evidence pertaining to the body) but the court denied the motion.
State v. Williams, 182 N.W.2d 396 (1970). The Iowa Supreme Court confirmed Mr. Williams’s conviction.
Williams v. Brewer, 375 F. Supp. 170 (1974) & 509 F. 2d 227 (1974). After his conviction, William’s confronted the United States District Court for release on habeas corpus. The District Court and Court of Appeals deemed the questionable evidence should not have been used in trial.
Brewer v. Williams, 430 U.S. 387 (1977) Certiorari was granted after review, holding that that incriminating statements from the defendant noted by Detecting Leaming were in fact a right to counsel violation.
Second Trial – Iowa Court 1977, with the incriminating statements eliminated from trial, the bodies condition, articles of clothing, photographs, and post mortem test rules were used. The state proved by preponderance that the body of the victim would have been found in a short period of time had the search not been suspended. The jury found Robert Anthony Williams guilty of Murder I for the second time.
State v. Williams, 285 N.W. 2d 248 (1979). The Iowa Supreme Court confirmed Mr. Williams’s conviction,