Triple Murder Shocks Washington
In 1919, Washington, D.C., was shaken by the murder of three Chinese diplomats from the Chinese Educational Mission in Kalorama. Investigators identified Ziang Sung Wan, a young student, as the suspect. Without a warrant, they searched his Manhattan apartment, detained him, and held him incommunicado in a Washington hotel. For nine days, Wan endured relentless questioning, denied food, water, and medical care while still recovering from the Spanish flu. Under duress, he confessed.
A Controversial Conviction
At trial, Wan recanted, claiming his confession was coerced. The judge allowed it as evidence, and he was sentenced to death. His attorneys appealed, arguing the confession violated constitutional protections. After lower courts upheld the conviction, the case reached the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling
In 1924, the Court, led by Justice Louis Brandeis, ruled Wan’s confession inadmissible, stating the Fifth Amendment permitted only voluntary confessions. The ruling didn’t define “voluntary” clearly, but it set a critical precedent.
From Wan to Miranda
Though Wan was eventually retried and not convicted, his case influenced the 1966 Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which established today’s Miranda rights. This ensures suspects are informed of their right to remain silent and access legal counsel during interrogation.
In 1919, Washington, D.C., was rocked by the murder of three Chinese diplomats. A suspect, Ziang Sung Wan, was identified. Wan, recovering from the Spanish flu, endured nine days of harsh interrogation, denied basic needs, and was coerced into confessing under extreme duress.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/1keiLoXm6w
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 16, 2025