police interrogation techniques
What bizarre claim did Alfred Ruff make to detectives about his wife?
Alfred Ruff, a 69-year-old man accused of attempted murder, made the shocking claim that he drugged his wife Lisa Bishop's soda. According to the interrogation revealed in the Crime Fix episode, Ruff provided a convoluted explanation, stating he did this at the behest of his stepdaughter and her friend. When confronted by detectives, they directly accused him of attempting to kill his wife. The case appears to involve financial motives behind this disturbing plot.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
Law&Crime Network
00:11 - 00:28
What was the alleged plot that Alfred Ruff described during his interrogation?
During interrogation, Alfred Ruff described a disturbing conspiracy allegedly involving his stepdaughter and her friend to 'get mom out of the pictures.' When questioned by detectives, Ruff made bizarre claims about drugging his wife Lisa's soda as part of this plot. The detectives confronted Ruff about the serious nature of his actions, directly stating 'What you're doing is trying to kill your wife.' The interrogation revealed Ruff's attempt to frame his stepdaughter while actually being implicated in the attempted murder himself. This shocking case explores how Ruff tried to cover up his own criminal offense by creating an elaborate conspiracy story.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)Law&Crime Network
00:00 - 00:30
What was Alfred Ruff convicted of and what sentence did he receive?
Alfred Ruff pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated battery last year and was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison for his crime. The judge cited several aggravating factors in the case, specifically noting that Ruff was aware of his wife's disability, which made her more vulnerable to his actions. Additionally, the court determined that Ruff had opportunities to remove himself from their troubled relationship through other means rather than resorting to criminal behavior. The judge considered the wife's disability and Ruff's failure to pursue alternative solutions as significant factors warranting the four-year prison sentence.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
Law&Crime Network
24:31 - 24:48
What criminal offense is Alfred Ruff being accused of in his interrogation?
Alfred Ruff, a 69-year-old man, is being accused of attempted murder and conspiracy for allegedly trying to poison his wife, Lisa Bishop. During his interrogation, detectives confront him about understanding the criminal implications of his actions, explicitly stating "What you're doing is trying to kill your wife." Ruff acknowledges this with a simple "Yes." The case revolves around a disturbing plot allegedly orchestrated by the victim's daughter and a friend, who instructed Ruff to poison his wife, apparently motivated by a life insurance policy. This interrogation clip captures the moment when investigators ensure Ruff comprehends the severity of his actions.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
Law&Crime Network
16:46 - 17:03
What are the three reasons why you shouldn't take a polygraph test?
First, statements made before or after a polygraph test can be admitted in court as evidence, even though the test results themselves likely won't be. Investigators can also manipulate this process by falsely claiming you failed to pressure you into a confession. Second, police often use polygraph results to determine whether to charge you and to what extent, despite their inadmissibility in court. Third, innocent people can fail polygraph tests due to emotional responses, making these tests unreliable for determining truthfulness.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)
Law By Mike
07:28 - 08:16
How accurate are lie detector tests?
The accuracy of lie detector (polygraph) tests varies significantly depending on multiple factors. Results can differ based on the person administering the test, the machine used, and especially the individual being tested. Due to this wide variability in accuracy, most states don't allow polygraph results as evidence in criminal court unless both parties agree to it. Even with agreement, many states still prohibit the admission of polygraph results as evidence in criminal cases, recognizing their unreliability despite how TV shows might portray them as 100% accurate.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)
Law By Mike
00:06 - 00:48