Live-in babysitting boyfriend charged in death of 21-month-old girl (Mount Clemens, Michigan)

These stories get to be so typical. Mom was working, and the boyfriend, CARLOS RAYMORE, was babysitting. It seems he was a student, possibly unemployed. The boyfriend is accused of bashing the girlfriend's 21-month-old daughter and killing her. And now HE is complaining that the police didn't let him sleep enough or give him a meal before questioning. Boo hoo.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090901/METRO03/909010421/1409/METRO

Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Judge allows statements to police by man charged in toddler killing
Christine Ferretti / The Detroit News

Mount Clemens -- A Macomb Circuit judge today ruled statements made to police by a man charged in the death of his girlfriend's toddler won't be suppressed at his trial.

Judge Peter Maceroni made the ruling following a hearing today requested by the defense attorney for Carlos Raymore, who claims the former Wayne State University student was deprived of food and sleep when he was interviewed by police about the death of 21-month-old Asia Mitchell.

"He knowingly understood his rights and had no problem answering questions of detectives," Maceroni said after hearing testimony today related to Raymore's statements.

Raymore, 21, is facing up to life in prison on charges of murder and child abuse in connection with the toddler's Feb. 20 death.

Prosecutors allege Raymore caused at least two severe blows to Asia's head while she was in his care. Raymore was watching the child while her mother, Lisa Mitchell was away at work. The couple shared an apartment near 16 Mile and Harper in Clinton Township.

Raymore's attorney, Randy Rodnick, today argued Raymore was not properly advised of his rights when he first talked to police about Asia's death. Then, hours later, he still hadn't slept or been fed before he gave a second interview to police for more than an hour at the jail.

Assistant Macomb County Prosecutor Therese Tobin informed Maceroni today that Raymore never told police he was too tired to talk. He also signed off on the form advising him of his rights and admitted he understood the questions being asked during each interview, Tobin said.
"At no point in time did he indicate any confusion, sleep deprivation or any difficulties, Tobin said. "The statements shouldn't be suppressed."

Raymore himself took the stand today to testify before Maceroni made the ruling.

"I was real tired, but I remember (giving the statement)," Raymore said. "I wasn't able to comprehend. ... It was the first time I was ever locked up. I was nervous. I've never been through this situation before."

Outside the courtroom, Lisa Mitchell's aunt, Drusilla Mitchell, called Raymore a monster and said he "couldn't handle a child."

"I'm looking for him to get life without parole," she said.

A final pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 6.