This is the defendents' counsel saying this. They're the ones you would think would be putting the best face on it.
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Is is typical for a defence attorney to discuss a client's case in this way? It seems to me that this kind of speculation could be detrimental to the case.
Absolutely. That's what makes it so strange and concerning.
Maybe it's an error and the NYT will print a correction.
Maybe pigs will fly.