Debra Milke was convicted of murder in her son 's death , receiving the death penalty . There was no evidence tying her to the crime , but a detective said she confessed . This detective had a ` ` history of misconduct , '' Including lying under oath , a judge says . ` ` The Constitution requires a fair trial . Specifically , the judge noted that the detective had been suspended five days for taking `` liberties '' with a female motorist and lying about it to his supervisors ; that judges had tossed out four confessions or indictments because Saldate had lied under oath ; and that judges suppressed or vacated four confessions because Saldate had violated a person 's constitutional rights . ` This never happened in Milke 's case , '' he adds .
Debra Milke was convicted of murder in her son 's death , receiving the death penalty . There was no evidence tying her to the crime , but a detective said she confessed . This detective had a ` ` history of misconduct , '' Including lying under oath , a judge says . ` ` The Constitution requires a fair trial . This never happened in Milke 's case , '' he adds .