[ctdonath2]

AFAIK, the remaining problem is that killing is illegal unless an _affirmative_defense_ is presented, which we have not seen. We’ve seen the demolition of any imputation of malice, but the actual defense argument has not yet been presented. At this point, GZ’s only hope is that the over-charging of 2nd Degree Murder has been eviscerated; a charge of Manslaughter may remain.

It’s a nuanced point; correct me where my specifics are objectively wrong. (No, I’m not arguing GZ’s guilt, just thinking thru what the DA could pull.)

[Verginius Rufus]

According to an expert (I forget his name) on Bill O'Reilly last night, if GZ is convicted of manslaughter, he could get a 30-year sentence. It is normally 15 years but increased if the dead person is a minor and if a firearm was used. That would be only marginally better than being convicted of second degree murder in terms of how long he would have to serve. And if he is sentenced to prison there would be a good chance he would be killed there.

It may be that Corey's plan all along was to overcharge so that the jury would compromise with manslaughter. The blond motormouth on Hannity last night also was hoping for manslaughter--so they seem to think that is a real possibility.