Judge issues ruling regarding confession statements made by John Williams

A judge has ruled that part of the confession made by the man accused of killing a Somerset County deputy may be used at trial - while others may not.

The ruling comes one day after the one-year anniversary of the death of Corporal Eugene Cole.

During a suppression hearing earlier this month, 30-year-old John Williams had asked for all of his confession to be tossed out of court.

Williams has pleaded not guilty to murder.

His lawyers claimed Williams was beaten by police and feared more beatings which caused him to confess.

They also contend Williams was suffering from opioid withdrawal and lack of sleep, water, and food.

The judge ruled that the violence inflicted by officers who found Williams did not contribute to his statements, essentially a confession was not beaten out him.

The judge also said any withdrawal from drugs was not a valid waiver of William's rights.

The judge ruled a 90-minute State Police interview with Williams at the Waterville Police Department will be allowed at trial, but the latter part of the interview, including a re-enactment, can't be used because Williams was in an obvious weakened state due to fatigue.

Williams is scheduled to go on trial in June.