Judge rules that statements made by Cape Girardeau murder suspect are admissible in court

The judge in a Cape Girardeau murder case ruled on a motion to suppress statements made by the defendant shortly after the Oct. 27 murders of Jamie Lynn Orman, her unborn child and her 15-year-old son, Derrick.

Judge William L. Syler said Thursday that statements made by Ryan Patterson outside of his Hackberry Street apartment complex and during the four-minute ride to the Cape Girardeau police station were admissible and could be used in court. During those conversations Patterson is said to have discussed a plot to set fire to Orman's boyfriend's truck, a .44-caliber pistol he owned but recently sold, as well as prior convictions.

However, comments he made to a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer during a test for gunshot residue were ruled inadmissible.

During the test, Cpl. Dennis Overby explained to Patterson he was testing for gunpowder residue to see if Patterson had recently fired a gun. According to court documents, Patterson responded, "Why didn't they ask me? I have." He then said he had fired a .22-caliber pistol and a .44-caliber pistol.

Patterson is accused of shooting Jamie and Derrick Orman in the early morning hours as they slept at the North Missouri Avenue home that Jamie Orman shared with John Lawrence. John Lawrence's estranged wife, Michelle Lawrence, is accused of initiating a plot to murder John Lawrence that ended in the Ormans' deaths.

The defense successfully argued that statements made during the gunpowder residue test should not be allowed because Patterson had clearly invoked his right to counsel and did not initiate contact with the officer.

In addition to the motion to suppress the statements, Syler heard 37 other motions in the case, mostly about procedures in selecting a jury; he delayed ruling on several of them. Patterson's attorney David Kenyon said the defense had no additional motions planned.

The next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 16. At that time, Syler said, he hoped to "fine-tune where we are going" in regard to the trial location. The trial will be moved outside of Cape Girardeau County, but no location has been named.

Patterson is charged with three counts of murder, three counts of armed criminal action and one count of burglary in connection to the deaths.

Michelle Lawrence is charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Another defendant in the case, Samuel "Ray Ray" Hughes, has been charged as Patterson's accomplice.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent addresses:

100 Court St., Jackson, MO

1224 N. Missouri Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO