The length of sentence is due to previous convictions as well as this one.
His choice to turn down the deal was a poor one, but so were his choices to continue to commit crimes. Read the article. There’s no doubt to his guilt.
It's not about his guilt. It's not about this guy at all.
It's about the concept of "40 years or go home. Just say what we want to hear." that I find troubling.
What if they made the same deal to you, except you knew damn well you were innocent? Would you take their offer or take your chances with a jury?
I think you are right, which is why I oppose the idea of offering him a deal that would set him free without a trial.