Re: [pyrnet] Verdict in the Diane Whipple mauling case?

[darrell goolsbee <dgoolsbee@ev1.net>]

<< I also find it quite unbelieveable that a DA as good as those who
prosecuted
> this case could be careless or stupid enough to bring both charges if they
> cancel each other out.  Or that the judge in his charge to the jury would be
> so ignorant of the law that he would not instruct the jury that they had to
> make a choice.>>


My assumption was that CA would allow this, or that the murder verdict
overrides the manslaughter, or else the judge would have told the jury
to "pick one." It is curious though. Perhaps with the "double"
conviction, if the murder charge were to be thrown out on appeal, the
manslaughter charge could still stand.


Darrell Goolsbee
Fort Worth, TX