Matthew Benton was convicted of murder and related offenses after a shooting that killed one person and wounded several others. During a custodial interview, an officer read Benton the Miranda warnings, but Benton’s response showed that he did not understand them. The officer then explained only that Benton did not have to answer questions and did not repeat or confirm the warnings about using his statements against him or appointing counsel. The trial court admitted the interview after finding that Benton had knowingly waived his rights. The Supreme Court of Georgia held that a suspect must understand the rights being waived and that the officer’s incomplete explanation did not establish a knowing and intelligent waiver. Because Benton’s statements supplied substantial evidence against him, the Miranda violation was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. The court reversed the convictions and ordered a new trial, leaving Benton’s other claims for later proceedings.