Libberton

I. Background

A. The Investigation

On November 18, 1981, Laurence Libberton, Martin Nor- ton, Steven James, and Daniel McIntosh were taken into cus- tody on suspicion of forgery. Libberton had used identification belonging to Juan Maya while attempting to cash a check at a bank. He was apprehended as he was leav- ing the bank. The others were apprehended while waiting out- side in Maya’s car. Libberton was booked into county jail on suspicion of forgery. Norton, James, and McIntosh were released. After Maya’s father informed police that his son was missing, police located and interviewed Norton and James. 14170 LIBBERTON v. RYAN During his first interview with police investigators, Norton told police Detective Russell Davis different versions of what had happened on the night of November 16, two days earlier. Norton initially said that he had been hitchhiking that evening and had been picked up by Maya. He reported that he had got- ten into Maya’s car, and Maya had made “sexual advances at him by trying to kiss him and put his hands in his pants.” Nor- ton claimed that he responded by punching Maya, getting out of the car, and fleeing. Norton went to…