People ask me, "did you see it coming?" My answer is no. They are referring to Darren Mack pleading guilty to murder and attempted murder charges in Las Vegas on Monday. It was an option Scott Freeman, Mack's attorney says was being entertained for more than a week, and details were being hammered out over the weekend. That plea was announced just as his attorneys were ready to begin their case. In court Mack attorney David Chesnoff said his client didn't want his wife's reputation disparaged. But everyone knew that was part of Mack's case for weeks if not months ago.  

In an interview after court that day Freeman said a "light didn't go off" as I had suggested, rather that Darren had to reach his own conclusions, his own decisions on his time on his terms. All of us reporters knew something was up when we weren't allowed in the court room at our scheduled time just before 8:00am on Monday. Bags had been placed over the cameras in the courtroom, and at one time the bailiff came out and asked the 48-Hour crew to double check that their microphones were off.  

As I learned later Darren was in that courtroom talking to close friends and family members about his decision to take the plea bargain. His mother Joan came out into the hallway with tears in her eyes looking for Erica, Darren's nine year old daughter by Charla. That's the first time I've seen her cry during this entire trial. Mack's only son Jory arrived extremely upset, desperately trying to get inside the courtroom. But the doors were locked. He appeared confused and went into the courtroom next door. He was soon let in to see his father.   

Mack confessed to killing his wife in a pre-mediated manner. For that he will get 20 years. The only thing left is sentencing for the attempted murder of Judge Chuck Weller, that man handling his contentious divorce. During the proceedings on Monday Darren Mack made sure the judge would allow him to speak during sentencing. The judge said as part of the plea bargain he would be allowed to do so.  Judge Herndon says he had scheduled two days for the hearing.  

It will be interesting to see how much time Mack will be given to talk about why he took a shot at Judge Weller. Mack indicated he had remained silent throughout the proceedings and he had a lot to say. But others will have their say too...Charla's mom Soorya Townley who said Monday her daughter was, "slaughtered like an animal." Judge Weller too will take the stand, he is currently represented by Gloria Allred an attorney who has stood beside many victims or witnesses involved in several infamous cases. She is not licensed in the state of Nevada . Judge Doug Herndon can sentence Mack up to 20 years for the shooting and because a deadly weapon was used, there will be years tacked on to that.  The big question: Will Herndon have Mack serve those years consecutively or concurrently?  

The hearing is slated for January 17 and 18 of 2008. One judicial expert compares such hearings to that of a funeral. Having attended them myself I think that's a great description.