People State New York v. Thaxton Hamlin

[71 N.Y.2d 750 Page 755] Opinion OF THE COURT Defendants and another, Billy Joe Green, have been found guilty of murdering defendant Brown's wife,
Susan. All three executed written statements confessing to their parts in the crime and the statements were received in evidence
during their joint trial. Only defendant Brown testified. He repudiated his statement, claiming that it was obtained illegally
and as the result of psychological coercion. Defendants Hamlin and Brown now appeal, contending that because statements of
non-testifying co-defendants were received in evidence they were denied their constitutional right to confrontation (US Const
6th Amend).