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In a blog he posted in October 2015, Ken Pohlmann expressed privacy concerns about the always-on microphones in Amazon’s Internet-connected Echo speaker/personal assistant. Could it be hacked? What are the ramifications of having an Internet-connected device in your home that is always listening?

An Arkansas man accused of murder will find out when he goes to trial next year.

In a case that is the first of its kind, Bentonville police have issued a warrant to compel Amazon to turn over audio and other data from an Echo owned by James Andrew Bates, charged with first-degree murder in the death of Victor Collins, according to a report in The Information, a subscription news site specializing in “deeply-reported articles about the technology industry.”

Authorities are seeking audio that the Echo might have picked up on the night of the 2015 murder. Amazon turned Bates' account information over to authorities but refused to release any recordings from the device, according to a local TV news report.

Bates had several other smart devices in his home, including a water meter, which showed that 140 gallons of water were used in Bates’ home the night of the murder, according to engadget. Collins was found dead in Bates' hot tub.

Investigators allege the water was used to wash away evidence. Bates’ attorney argues the information from the Amazon Echo shouldn’t be allowed in the case. “You have an expectation of privacy in your home, and I have a big problem that law enforcement can use the technology that advances our quality of life against us.”

What do you think?