Court records: Schwander showed detective where Carly was buried
Mugshot: Robert Jensen Schwander
/ Grand Traverse Co. Sheriff's Office
TRAVERSE CITY -- "He was distraught, very emotional he said a lot of things but what does the evidence show, what do the facts show." says Defense Attorney Clarence Gomery
The lawyer hired to defend the teen accused of killing Carly Lewis talks to 7&4 News on the day his client is arraigned for murder.
17-year old Robert Jensen Schwander pleaded not guilty to charges Thursday morning. Schwander is considered an adult in the eyes of the law, he faces life in prison if found guilty of killing 16-year old Carly Lewis.
From his jail cell, 17-year old Robert Jensen Schwander appeared before the court by video acknowledging the charge against him.
Clarence Gomery says, "At this stage we have not seen any police reports, any evidence, we know there was a polygraph that was attempted before my involvement and there were some other statements. Obviously I want to take a look at that."
Gomery says he's starting to build his clients defense. Over the next few weeks he will be taking a closer look at the polygraph test detectives gave Schwander before they say he confessed to the murder.
"Obviously an attorney should be consulted before someone gives up their constitutional rights. In this case he thought he was participating and doing what he had to do he wanted to cooperate." said Gomery after his client's arraignment
A judge denied the defense's request to release Schwander on bond, so he'll remain in jail.
Gomery says, "He was very distraught, very emotional. This is a troubled young man he's had trouble he's been drifting trying to find himself dislocated with family it is a sad situation."
The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor did not want to talk Thursday, but court records state after Schwander confessed to the murder he took a detective to the scene and showed him exactly where Carly Lewis's body was buried.
The medical examiner out of Grand Rapids says Carly's autopsy is complete; police have not released the results yet and say more tests have to be done.
