Judge: Police interview can be played at trial of Waukegan man accused of attacking woman
A Lake County Judge ruled Monday that the hourslong video of a Waukegan attack suspect being interviewed by police will be part of his trial.
Varghese Philip, 53, faces up to 45 years in prison if found guilty of attempted murder and aggravated battery charges stemming from the June 21, 2018, attack on a woman authorities said rejected his romantic advances. Philip has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in Lake County jail on $500,000 bail while awaiting his trial, which is set to begin next month.
Philip's legal team filed a motion arguing that the interview should not be allowed because Philip does not grasp English well enough to knowingly waive his Miranda rights.
Judge Daniel Shanes said it was clear to him from the video that Philip and the police officer understood each other.
"Police asked if Philip understood and the defendant never said he did not understand," Shanes said. "During certain sections the defendant is swearing, he's using the vernacular."
Shanes also noted that Philip has a good enough grasp of English that he's been able to work with a fellow inmate to send the judge letters in English.
After Shanes ruled, Philip, still shackled and seated next to his lawyers, spoke to the judge through his interpreter. Philip complained about a variety of subjects ranging from the price of noodles in the jail to the charges against him, expressing his innocence throughout. At one point Philip said he would send letters to the presidents of the United States and India as well as Lake County leadership and the U.N. about the injustice he felt was being done to him.
Shanes told Philip that the place to argue about the government's case against him is at trial.
"I'm trying to get your case to a trial because you have told me before that you are innocent of the charges," Shanes said. "If that's what you want, I'm going to try to make that happen."
Shanes set a trial date of Feb. 18. Philip will be back before the judge on Feb. 10 for a case management hearing.