Awaiting the Trial [Archive] - Crime Library Message Boards

magpie1

09-05-2006, 09:24 PM

I think both the prosecution and the defense have to try to seat a jury. If it becomes apparant that a jury cannot be seated, then the change of venue can be requested.

I hope the presecution will carefully screen any potential juror, particularly men, who might have had a family court case in the Reno court. Those jurors should be eliminated as being potentially sympathetic to Darren Mack.

I think it may be difficult to find a jury in Reno, based on the fact that most people will have read extensively about the case in the local newspaper or heard about it on television. Many have probably made up their mind on whether Darren Mack is guilty or not guilty.

TobyTiger

09-05-2006, 09:32 PM

Originally posted by magpie1
I think both the prosecution and the defense have to try to seat a jury. If it becomes apparant that a jury cannot be seated, then the change of venue can be requested.

I hope the presecution will carefully screen any potential juror, particularly men, who might have had a family court case in the Reno court. Those jurors should be eliminated as being potentially sympathetic to Darren Mack.

I think it may be difficult to find a jury in Reno, based on the fact that most people will have read extensively about the case in the local newspaper or heard about it on television. Many have probably made up their mind on whether Darren Mack is guilty or not guilty.
I'm sure voir dire will be very thorough. It's quite possible that the defense will be not guilty by reason of (temporary) insanity.
:)

TobyTiger

09-07-2006, 02:03 PM

Judge Appointed to Mack Case (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS10/609060336/1002/NEWS)

This is a more detailed article on Judge Douglas Herndon who was appointed last week to preside over the trial of Darren Mack.

The article also includes a photo of Judge Herndon.

:patriot:

NevadaMom

09-07-2006, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by TobyTiger
Judge Appointed to Mack Case (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS10/609060336/1002/NEWS)

This is a more detailed article on Judge Douglas Herndon who was appointed last week to preside over the trial of Darren Mack.

The article also includes a photo of Judge Herndon.

:patriot:

Dang, I wish they hadn't put a photo of the judge in there. DM will put that on his "to-do" list.

TobyTiger

09-07-2006, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by NevadaMom

Dang, I wish they hadn't put a photo of the judge in there. DM will put that on his "to-do" list.
He might put it on his list, but actually following through with it may be more difficult...
:D

magpie1

09-07-2006, 02:42 PM

NevadaMom.................:D

Douglas Herndon sounds like a no-nonsense judge. Just yesterday (Sept. 6) he removed the Clark County Recorder from office, saying she violated public trust by accepting payment from two businessmen in exchange for access to county records. He gave her until 5:00pm on Friday - tomorrow - to clear out her desk.

TobyTiger

09-07-2006, 02:48 PM

Originally posted by magpie1
NevadaMom.................:D

Douglas Herndon sounds like a no-nonsense judge. Just yesterday (Sept. 6) he removed the Clark County Recorder from office, saying she violated public trust by accepting payment from two businessmen in exchange for access to county records. He gave her until 5:00pm on Friday - tomorrow - to clear out her desk.
Just so he allows cameras in the courtroom!!!
:D

NevadaMom

09-07-2006, 04:16 PM

Tonja

09-07-2006, 04:55 PM

If this judge goes by the book, there will be little, if any, room for an appeal to be overturned later on.

TobyTiger

09-07-2006, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by Tonja
If this judge goes by the book, there will be little, if any, room for an appeal to be overturned later on.
I am certainly hoping that he does 'go by the book' and that Darren Mack does receive a fair trial. No one should circumvent the law, for whatever reason.
;)

GollyGeeWhiz

09-07-2006, 10:39 PM

Originally posted by NevadaMom

Dang, I wish they hadn't put a photo of the judge in there. DM will put that on his "to-do" list.

NevadaMom: you slay me! :D :beer:

TobyTiger

09-11-2006, 11:24 AM

Darren Mack's arraignment is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 13.

At the arraignment, the Judge will:

Read the criminal charges against the defendant.

Ask the defendant if he has an attorney, or needs the assistance of a court-appointed attorney.

Ask the defendant how he pleads, i.e. guilty, not guilty or no contest.

Decide whether the defendant shall remain in custody, be released on bail, or ROR pending trial.

Announce the date of future proceedings in the case, i.e. pre-trial motions and trial.

:patriot:

magpie1

09-11-2006, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by TobyTiger
Darren Mack's arraignment is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 13.

At the arraignment, the Judge will:

Read the criminal charges against the defendant.

Ask the defendant if he has an attorney, or needs the assistance of a court-appointed attorney.

Ask the defendant how he pleads, i.e. guilty, not guilty or no contest.

Decide whether the defendant shall remain in custody, be released on bail, or ROR pending trial.

Announce the date of future proceedings in the case, i.e. pre-trial motions and trial.

:patriot:

TobyTiger,
Thanks! It will be interesting to hear what the charges are and the defense response.

TobyTiger

09-11-2006, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by magpie1

TobyTiger,
Thanks! It will be interesting to hear what the charges are and the defense response.
You're welcome. We may also find out on Wednesday what the District Attorney's intentions are re: the Death Penalty.

;)

TobyTiger

09-13-2006, 02:27 PM

Trial Date Set!

Mack Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Charges (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS18/609130358/1002)

Darren Mack stood silently in a Washoe District courtroom today as a visiting judge entered "not guilty" pleas for him to charges that he murdered his estranged wife on June 12 and then attempted to murder the judge who was deciding their divorce.

Mack's lawyer, Scott Freeman asked Judge Douglas Herndon to enter the pleas for Darren Mack because they plan to challenge the charges.

Freeman also said they plan to challenge a Reno Justice Court ruling that dismissed Freeman's request that Mack undergo a psychiatric evaluation before the case proceeds.

After entering the plea for Mack, Herndon set Oct. 1, 2007 for Mack's trial and said they should hold status hearings every 30 - 40 days until then to deal with motions and challenges.

He gave Freeman until Oct. 4 to file the petition for habeas corpus - opposing the charges - and said they would set a hearing date for that motion at a later date...
:read:

Tonja

09-13-2006, 06:08 PM

Tobytiger,

Today, Channel 4 said that camera's (court tv) will be allowed into the courtroom.

TobyTiger

09-13-2006, 06:56 PM

Originally posted by Tonja
Tobytiger,

Today, Channel 4 said that camera's (court tv) will be allowed into the courtroom.
For the trial next year? Normally that isn't announced so far in advance. If so, GREAT NEWS!!!
:biggrin:

magpie1

09-13-2006, 08:08 PM

I expected that the trial wouldn't begin until sometime next spring, but was surprised that it's been set for more than a year away!

If they can't seat a jury and have to move the trial to Clark Co, that could push the trial up to early 2008!

TobyTiger

09-13-2006, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by magpie1
I expected that the trial wouldn't begin until sometime next spring, but was surprised that it's been set for more than a year away!

If they can't seat a jury and have to move the trial to Clark Co, that could push the trial up to early 2008!
There could be several reasons for the delay, including the pre-existing schedules of both the prosecutors and the Judge. Also to be taken into consideration is the defense request for a psychiatric evaluation. Postponing the trial to Oct. 2007 also increases the chances of finding a jury.
;)

Tonja

09-13-2006, 08:46 PM

I heard that they are going to be filing a writ of habeas corpus on grounds that judge, Danon? would not allow Darren Mack to have a psychiatric evaluation. I also, heard that they were trying to get the case dismissed because they couldn't trust the evidence.

If that be the case, then I wonder if pussycat was Scott Freeman?

TobyTiger

09-13-2006, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by Tonja
I heard that they are going to be filing a writ of habeas corpus on grounds that judge, Danon? would not allow Darren Mack to have a psychiatric evaluation. I also, heard that they were trying to get the case dismissed because they couldn't trust the evidence.

If that be the case, then I wonder if pussycat was Scott Freeman?
Yes, the writ of habeas corpus was mentioned in the news article today, after the arraignment. The defense needs that psychiatric evaluation to try to spare him from LWOP. I can't see the case being dismissed...unless Judge Herndon believes that Osborne's dog killed Charla!

:eek:

Tonja

09-13-2006, 09:57 PM

I think they are going to try raise this as a ground in their writ that they were denied an evaluation at the time of his arrest and what he was going thur at the time of the death of Charla could show to the jury that Darren Mack was not in his right state of mind.

And if the judge refused to let him have the evaluation at the time of the arrest, there very well could be a possible ground for an appeal later on down the road. Because nobody can clearly say for certain that Darren Mack was not in his right state of mind at the time, because he was denied a proper evalution that very well could have shown he was not in his right state of mind at the time.

Insanity defense is what he's going after. So one would have to know what Mack's state of mind was at the time or as close to the time of the killing of Charla as possible. Not several months later. Right?

TobyTiger

09-13-2006, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by Tonja
I think they are going to try raise this as a ground in their writ

Insanity defense is what he's going after. So one would have to know what Mack's state of mind was at the time or as close to the time of the killing of Charla as possible. Not several months later. Right?
Correct. An accurate evaluation would be his state of mind at the time closest to the crimes being committed. However, he was in Mexico from that time until June 23.
:shrug:

GollyGeeWhiz

09-13-2006, 11:07 PM

October 2007?? :rolleyes:

I'm having trouble believing that a less well-heeled defendant would have over a year to prepare for trial. :rolleyes:

I shall comfort myself in the meantime by imagining to what extent Mr. Mack is surely enjoying himself behind bars. :tongue:

magpie1

09-14-2006, 01:07 AM

Originally posted by TobyTiger

Yes, the writ of habeas corpus was mentioned in the news article today, after the arraignment. The defense needs that psychiatric evaluation to try to spare him from LWOP. I can't see the case being dismissed...unless Judge Herndon believes that Osborne's dog killed Charla!

:eek:

I can't see this case being dismissed either.

If the defense is successful in getting a psychiatric evaluation, wouldn't the prosecution then ask for thier own psychiatric evaluation by a doctor of their choice? We could end up with two psychiatric evaluations, with opposite conclusions. It would come down to which psychiatrist the jury believes.

anais2005

09-14-2006, 08:08 AM

He has alot of money to spend to try to get the best out come he can,

he will probably spend the next year filing motion after motion, trying to exclude evidence from the trial,

does anybody know if he has contact with any of his children?

TobyTiger

09-14-2006, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by magpie1

I can't see this case being dismissed either.

If the defense is successful in getting a psychiatric evaluation, wouldn't the prosecution then ask for thier own psychiatric evaluation by a doctor of their choice? We could end up with two psychiatric evaluations, with opposite conclusions. It would come down to which psychiatrist the jury believes.
You got it!!
:beer:

TobyTiger

09-14-2006, 01:32 PM

Originally posted by anais2005
He has alot of money to spend to try to get the best out come he can,

he will probably spend the next year filing motion after motion, trying to exclude evidence from the trial,

does anybody know if he has contact with any of his children?
His mother was granted temporary custody of Erika, age 8. Charla's family is allowed visitation. His other two children from a previous marriage, are most likely with their mother (in California). I don't know if Erika is allowed to visit him in jail; each jurisdiction has their own regulations regarding that.

TobyTiger

09-20-2006, 01:37 PM

Court Asked to Disquality Washoe Judges in Mack Civil Cases (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060920/NEWS01/609200337)

Since Washoe District Court judges have been removed from Darren Mack's criminal case, the Nevada Supreme Court was asked Tuesday to appoint another judge to decide whether those judges should also be disqualified from handling any civil cases involving Mack.

Pending civil cases include the custody of the child he had with his slain wife and damages sought by a judge's assistant hit by shrapnel...

:read:

TobyTiger

09-24-2006, 01:13 PM

Las Vegas Judge to Decide on Disqualification in Mack Case (http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2006/sep/23/092310539.html)

The Nevada Supreme Court has ordered a senior judge from Las Vegas to decide whether Washoe District Court judges should be disqualified from hearing any civil cases involving Darren Mack.

Senior Judge J. Charles Thompson ruled that the judges in northern Nevada should not hear Mack's criminal case because it could be perceived that they might have a bias, given that "one of their own" was a victim in the case.

On Friday, the high court ordered Thompson also to decide whether civil cases should be taken out of the northern Nevada courts, as requested by Mack's attorney...
:read:

TobyTiger

10-03-2006, 01:56 PM

Mack's Lawyers Say Not Enough Evidence to Support Attempted Murder Charge (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/NEWS10/610020365/1004/NEWS)

The attempted murder charge against Darren Mack should be dismissed because the prosecutor failed to present enough evidence to support that count, his lawyer said Monday, and Mack deserved to have a competency evaluation before his case was heard in Reno Justice Court.

"I think these are very real issues for the court to decide," Mack's lawyer, Scott Freeman said after filing his writ in Washoe District Court. "We're anxious to see the state's response."

(more at link)
:read:

GollyGeeWhiz

10-08-2006, 10:17 PM

Interesting article in the Appeal over the weekend. Looks like Weller was working on (or developing a concept for) a program to educate divorcing couples about what to expect in family court.

I agree that it's important for couples to realize that they don't HAVE TO end up in court, where their divorce will become a contest to be won, and their fates and futures will be decided by strangers.

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20061008/NEWS/110080061

Tonja

10-09-2006, 11:32 AM

I have personal issues with JUDGE CHARLES MCGEE. I was shocked to see that McGee was still on the bench when the reports of him coming to Judge Weller's aid at the time of the shooting. Had it not been for that, I would have thought that McGee was long gone from the bench and rightly so. I know what McGee is capable of doing.

My book "To Prove His Innocence", clearly, details just how flawed our judicial system is in Nevada. When I say, that Judge Charles McGee, Judge Mills Lane, Detective Niles Carson according to our own NRS statutes define conspiracy to conceal evidence, did in fact, conspire to conceal the tampering of DNA evidence when all three went along with hiding a 1996 police complaint that I filed with regard to the disappearance of the DNA evidence in my brother's cases onto a closed 1995 case. I have the letter written to Judge Mills Lane by Det. Carson talking about it and how he placed this 1996 onto a closed 1995 and how Judge Mills Lane personally walked it down and gave the letter to Mcgee. McGee confirmed he had the letter by Lane in Feb. 1996.

Judge Charles McGee did in fact, became aware of some tampering of evidence that was taking place within the Washoe County Courthouse. There had been several repeated instances of tampering and Judge Charles McGee and Judge Mills Lane were aware of it and did nothing to stop it. McGee even went so far as to deny, any DNA testing to be conducted by us, any test results that may have been already conducted and refused to ever allow us to have any future DNA testing done. McGee even was aware that the District Attorney's office would make surprise visits into the evidence and return the evidence back to the evidence room within the basement of the Washoe County Courthouse with full knowledge that exculpatory evidence was missing. MCGEE IS ONE CORRUPT JUDGE. Anyone wishing to contact Judge Mcgee and tell him what I have posted here, please do so.

Tonja Brown.

McGee also knew that Shelly O'Neill, a former public defender, had committed perjury in a 1991 evidentuary hearing and knowing this, he still continued to rule in O'Neill's favor.

Comments regarding the persons in this book:

1. Judge Charles McGee. He was given the opportunity to read this manuscript, but declined. In 2003 Charles McGee voluntarily placed himself in rehabilitation for alcoholism. He returned to the bench only to be arrested within four months after his return for driving under the influence right around the Christmas holiday. In 2004 he served a jail sentence for his offense to which he plead guilty of having twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system. He was defended by the other justices of the Second Judicial District Court who championed his judicial position and have allowed him to remain on the bench as the Drug Court Judge. In November 2004, he announced his retirement effective January 2005.

2. Mills Lane. He indicated that he would like to read the manuscript when it was in progress in 2002, but he suffered a stroke in 2003 and did not get an opportunity to read it.

4. Shelly O’Neill was given the manuscript and made no comment.

6. An attorney who represents the police officer’s union was given the manuscript, but gave us no comments. Sherman Boxx did meet with us once with his attorney present. He stated that he believed that he had given all the evidence that he had to the District Attorney.

magpie1

10-09-2006, 09:14 PM

Originally posted by GollyGeeWhiz
Interesting article in the Appeal over the weekend. Looks like Weller was working on (or developing a concept for) a program to educate divorcing couples about what to expect in family court.

I agree that it's important for couples to realize that they don't HAVE TO end up in court, where their divorce will become a contest to be won, and their fates and futures will be decided by strangers.

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20061008/NEWS/110080061

In California, before a case goes to court each party in a divorce case is ordered to attend orientation. Thiis is an evening class taught at the court house in the jury assembly room.

I once attended the orientation accompanying a friend who was getting a divorce. I was impressed with the procedure.

Each person had to sign in and give their case number. The class instructor told everyone who attended that the court would be notified of who attended orientation. I wondered if the judge or mediators in the case would check to see if both parties or only one had attended orientation.

The class was about 2 hours long, with the first hour devoted to the instructor telling the class the procedure for family court. They were also told of the proper court room etiquette.

The second half of the class was devoted to taking questions from participants.

I think anyone taking the class would have walked away with a pretty basic outline of what to expect from the court and what the court expected from them.

GollyGeeWhiz

10-09-2006, 11:00 PM

Since it seems the majority of divorces are contentious, and since when human emotions run high all kinds of misery can result, I think it's in everyone's best interest if divorcing couples are forced to attend some sort of Divorce 101 or Family Court 101 workshop or class.

What I also hope, though, is that we don't lose sight of the fact that if we choose to, we can divorce without the need for outside interference in the form of attorneys and family court judges.

In other words we, as a nation of constantly divorcing couples, need to take responsibility for our own actions and the behavior that leads to the need to involve strangers to settle our affairs. We did, after all, land ourselves in the predicament to start with, and it seems to me that we've lost sight of that in favor of trying to reform the family court system. It may need reforming, but we also bear responsibility in these matters. It seems a little ludricous to me that so many people can get so righteously indignant about the greed of attorneys and corruption in our court systems, without spending a moment in self-reflection. :rolleyes:

(I'm addressing this to no one in particular, by the way ... just venting in general.) :mad:

TobyTiger

10-24-2006, 08:23 PM

Lawyer Argues to Keep Mack Case in Area (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061024/NEWS10/610240350/1002/NEWS)

While the entire Washoe District bench has been removed from most cases involving Darren Mack, the lawyer for the judge's secretary who was hit with shrapnel argued Monday that local judges should be allowed to handle her lawsuit against Mack unless it is shown they are biased.

Annie Allison, secretary for Washoe District Family Court Judge Chuck Weller, suffered minor injuries when a sniper shot came through the window of Weller's chambers on June 12, hitting him in the chest. Mack was charged in the shooting and Allison filed a civil suit seeking damages...

(more at link)

TobyTiger

10-28-2006, 06:43 PM

Motion Filed to Unseal Mack Exhibits (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS01/610260335/1002/NEWS)

Seeking to ensure that the Darren Mack criminal case is conducted in a manner that is open to the public, the Reno Gazette-Journal has filed a motion to unseal about 30 exhibits used during his preliminary hearing to bind him over on murder and attempted murder charges.

After that Aug. 30 hearing when Mack's case moved to district court, Judge Douglas Herndon, on assignment from Clark County, sealed the photographs without being asked by either side to do so. In response, the newspaper filed a motion requesting the judge reverse that unsolicited order.

Herndon said the issue would be argued during Mack's next hearing scheduled for Nov. 16 .

(more at link)
:read:

TobyTiger

11-01-2006, 12:38 PM

All Washoe Judges Barred from Mack Civil Suit (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS10/610310312/1002/NEWS)

All Washoe District Court judges are barred from handling a civil lawsuit against Darren Mack filed by the secretary who was allegedly hit with shrapnel when her boss, a family court judge, was shot through the window in his chambers, a judge ruled Monday.

Although Annie Allison's civil case has been assigned to Judge Janet Berry, and she "entertains no actual bias" against Mack, "the issue here is not actual bias but implied bias," Senior Judge J. Charles Thompson said in his ruling.

"I believe that a reasonable person, having learned the unusual facts of this case might question whether or not the district court judges...would be entirely impartial when one of their employees is the plaintiff and Judge (Chuck) Weller is a key witness," Thompson said.

(more at link)
:read:

tiny paw-prints

11-02-2006, 04:46 AM

Originally posted by TobyTiger

He might put it on his list, but actually following through with it may be more difficult...
:D

Hi Toby, thanks for the updates.

Not sure I want to stick my tiny paws back into this case.

But, just outta curiosity, has Mack had any signs or symptoms of remorse?

And, has the daughter been to a jailhouse visit w/Dad?

TIA :seeya:

TobyTiger

11-02-2006, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by tiny paw-prints

Hi Toby, thanks for the updates.

Not sure I want to stick my tiny paws back into this case.

But, just outta curiosity, has Mack had any signs or symptoms of remorse?

And, has the daughter been to a jailhouse visit w/Dad?

TIA :seeya:
You're welcome! Yes this one may get "worse" as trial approaches...but it's still a while from now. Judging from what's been released by the media, the defense seems to be implying that there isn't evidence Mack committed the attempted murder of Judge Weller, and want a psych evaluation as related to the murder of Charla. So, to answer your question, I'd say no remorse....because SODDI and/or he wasn't in his right mind. I don't have any information on whether his daughter has visited him in jail...sorry!

:D

Roxanne1932

11-05-2006, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by GollyGeeWhiz
Since it seems the majority of divorces are contentious, and since when human emotions run high all kinds of misery can result, I think it's in everyone's best interest if divorcing couples are forced to attend some sort of Divorce 101 or Family Court 101 workshop or class.

What I also hope, though, is that we don't lose sight of the fact that if we choose to, we can divorce without the need for outside interference in the form of attorneys and family court judges.

In other words we, as a nation of constantly divorcing couples, need to take responsibility for our own actions and the behavior that leads to the need to involve strangers to settle our affairs. We did, after all, land ourselves in the predicament to start with, and it seems to me that we've lost sight of that in favor of trying to reform the family court system. It may need reforming, but we also bear responsibility in these matters. It seems a little ludricous to me that so many people can get so righteously indignant about the greed of attorneys and corruption in our court systems, without spending a moment in self-reflection. :rolleyes:

(I'm addressing this to no one in particular, by the way ... just venting in general.) :mad:

Golly:

I'm not slamming your view in any way, but I just can't for the life of me understand why people are still getting married. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. I guess that's why the gays screaming over equal (marriage) rights just kills me. Okay, who will make out on this? Divorce attorneys.

I believe it used to be to shelter women and children. The family unit. I certainly don't see that any more, so I also don't see women needing marriage any longer. You're practically a criminal if you need or want to take time off to raise your own kids.

Yes, there are some good marriages out there, a few.

Sorry, just venting. Deep breath.

TobyTiger

11-11-2006, 12:27 PM

Judges Assigned to Mack Civil Suits (http://news.rgi.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061111/NEWS/611110326/1002)

Seven civil cases involving Darren Mack, charged with killing his estranged wife and shooting their divorce judge, have been assigned to two judges outside Washoe County.

The judges are David Huff of the 3rd Judicial District which covers Churchill and Lyon counties; and John Iroz of the 6th Judicial District, which covers Humboldt, Lander and Pershing counties.

(more at link)
:read:

TobyTiger

11-17-2006, 09:36 PM

POLICE FIND MACK'S MISSING SUV (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS10/611160333/1002)

The rented 2006 Ford Explorer that Darren Mack allegedly used as a getaway car the morning his estranged wife Charla was killed and their divorce judge was shot has been found in Mexico and brought to Reno, officials said Wednesday.

Reno police Lt. Jon Catalano said the Ford Explorer was found in good condition in a long-term parking structure in Ensenada, just south of Tijuana at the north end of the Baja Peninsula. Many people with vacation homes in Ensenada often use this type of structure to store their cars in a secure location, he said, so he was not surprised the vehicle was intact.

(more at link)
:read:

TobyTiger

11-17-2006, 09:41 PM

Judge Says Mack Must Go To Trial For All Charges (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061117/NEWS01/611170418/1004/NEWS)

Looking at each piece of evidence individually would not be enough to charge Darren Mack with shooting the judge who was deciding his divorce, Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon said Thursday as he considered a motion to throw out the attempted murder charge.

"Many people in family court come away angry but don't go out and kill the judge," Herndon said, referring to testimony that Mack was unhappy with Judge Chuck Weller's decisions and that Weller had said that Mack gave him "the look of death" after one hearing.

But the evidence can't be viewed "in a vacuum" he said, and "combined together" it is enough to meet the standards for holding Mack for trial on charges of attempted murder and battery with a deadly weapon. Those charges will stand, he said.

(more at link)
:read:

GollyGeeWhiz

11-18-2006, 01:09 PM

I'm actually hoping Mack's attorneys will be able to get the psych evaluation through. I'd like the prosecution to set up their own eval as well. I'd be really interested to see the results.

GGW

TobyTiger

11-18-2006, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by GollyGeeWhiz
I'm actually hoping Mack's attorneys will be able to get the psych evaluation through. I'd like the prosecution to set up their own eval as well. I'd be really interested to see the results.

GGW
I agree that there should be a psychiatric evaluation, and the results could provide a lot of insight.

:)

TobyTiger

11-18-2006, 02:28 PM

CONTENTS OF EXHIBITS UNVEILED (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061117/NEWS01/611170417/1002)

Emergency room doctors who treated Judge Chuck Weller the morning he was shot found cuts "throughout his chest" from "bullet fragments" according to medical records that were used as evidence in Darren Mack's preliminary hearing and unsealed on Thursday.

The wounds varied in size from 1cm to 5cm, the report said, and were found in his skin and muscle...

The Reno Gazette Journal had an exclusive viewing of the 30 exhibits late Thursday.

Most of the autopsy photos of Charla Mack show knife cuts on her legs about 2 to 2-1/2 inches in length and fairly deep. She also had a long, more shallow cut on the inside of her arm, and a slashing-type cut on the inside of her left wrist.

A cut is visible on the left side of her neck, and the front of her neck looks bruised and is red and blue.

The neck has a large, deep cut on the left side at the base of her beck, just above the collarbone. Her skin appears blotchy and discolored. During the preliminary hearing, a forensic pathologist testified that she had seven stab wounds on her body. She said the cuts on her limbs appear to be "defensive injuries".

The exhibits included one photograph of Charla Mack's body on the garage floor. She is wearing blue pants, a red top and no shoes or socks. She is lying face down and a white towel or cloth covers her right arm. It appears that she was dragged by her shoulders into the front of the garage. There's a track of blood the width of her body along the floor. A stream of blood runs from her chest-neck area along the floor under the car...

(more at link)

:read:

TobyTiger

11-20-2006, 01:33 PM

A slightly more detailed report released by the Sparks Tribune -

Autopsy Photos, Weller Report Released (http://www.sparkstribune.net/440.shtml)

Excerpt:
Charla Mack's body appeared to show defensive wounds with bruising and shades of purple and pink where scratches and stab wounds were visible. On each hand, blood was seen surrounding her fingernails. It was difficult to determine from the photos whether her nails had been removed.

At the nape of her neck on the lower front side, a deep stab wound revealed torn flesh nearly 2-1/2 inches in length. A photo of her face showed her lips were black and purple in color with scrapes on her nose and along her forehead.

One photo of Charla Mack's body taken in the garage revealed a trail of blood. She was wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans and no socks or shoes. A white towel covers her right arm. Areas of her clothing were soaked with blood as she lay face down and her brown curly hair covers her face. A trail of blood from Mack's upper body flows underneath a blue Lexus parked in the garage.

Note: I apologize in advance for posting the gruesome details here, but I did it due to the likelihood that the media source may remove the link to the article at some time in the future.

TobyTiger