thanks for your excellent post.
IMO there are 2 possible options for the defense:
1. Consensual which will be very difficult to prove, as they were total strangers
2. Work out plea deal if the DA is willing.
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I agree with the options you stated as possible for the defense..... However as mentioned, we are also going to see a defense that is going to stretch these proceedings out to the max... included in that will be many ‘other’ stories incorporated into their defense which really will have no bearing on the case but will be argued as a means to divert attention and confuse the real issue at hand.