"The way I read the state's evidence, it's very powerful. And rarely do they bargain unless they have problems with their evidence. If they had some problems with their evidence, like there was a faulty DNA test, or if one of the witnesses had actually more contact with Westerfield... watering down the presence of the DNA... and that brought a fear in the prosecution that they could lose this case, then they might try to plea bargain," explained Nimmo. To plea or not to plea? And thereby settle old and raise new doubts on FR. This is the question all mortal posters want to know.
My read is if the state offers a plea, they have evidentiary problems. But if DW asks for a plea that is refused by the prosecutors, then they are very sure of their evidence and plan to hang him with it.
But what if no one offers or asks for a plea, AND the DA doesn't ask for the death penalty. What does that portend?
"But what if no one offers or asks for a plea, = they're confident of their position..
AND the DA doesn't ask for the death penalty. = state's evidence is shaky, they'll take whatever charge/sentence they can get....