Tape of boy describing shootings released

ST. JOHNS, Ariz., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The police interview with the 8-year-old Arizona boy accused of killing his dad and another man was released because it is a public record, prosecutors said.

Police Tuesday released the taped interview of the boy being questioned about the shooting deaths of his father, Vincent Romero, 29, and Tim Romans, 39, who rented a room in Romeros' home in St. Johns, Ariz., CNN reported.

Police said the boy confessed to shooting both men with a .22-caliber handgun.

A judge issued a gag order in the case, barring police, prosecutors and defense attorneys from commenting on it. However, the judge modified it to allow public records -- including the police videotape -- to be released, Apache County Attorney Christopher Candelaria said.

"We released it because it becomes a public record and we're obligated to release it," Candelaria said.

A defense attorney said police didn't read the child his rights and the boy didn't have a lawyer or parent present during questioning, CNN said.

On the tape, the boy initially denied involvement in the shootings but later said he shot his wounded father "because he was suffering."

Officers questioning the child urged him to speak honestly, with one saying, "If you're not honest with me, if you're not truthful, it's not going to look good."