The accused John Spring was arrested for selling weapons. He was read his
rights, waived them and was then questioned about a Colorado murder as
well as the weapons charges. He was later charged with murder. At trial Spring's
statement during the interrogation was declared inadmissible, but a
confession during a second interrogation was not suppressed. The Court of Appeals reversed Spring's
conviction arguing that his waiver before the first interrogation was
invalid because a suspect cannot intelligently decide whether he wants counsel if
knowledge of the crime is withheld. The decision was affirmed by the state
Supreme Court.