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Nevada prosecutors begin jury pick in wife, judge killings

With racy subplots, the case against Darren Mack has all the elements of a late-night adult TV drama: A wealthy, attractive couple. A swinger lifestyle. Well-heeled connections among the city's movers-and-shakers.

Mack is accused of stabbing his estranged wife to death at his town house and then shooting their divorce judge as he sat in his chambers. Jury selection was to begin yesterday.

The body of his 39-year-old wife, Charla, was found stabbed to death on June 12 last year at Mack's upscale town house in south Reno.

Authorities allege Mack then drove downtown, and a few hours later shot Family Court Judge Chuck Weller with a high-powered rifle while the judge was in his chambers on the third floor of the courthouse. Weller was shot in the chest and recovered.

Mack allegedly fled the Reno area and ended up in Mexico, where he surrendered 11 days after the stabbing and shooting. Charged with murder and attempted murder, he has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

From the outset, defense lawyers Scott Freeman and David Chesnoff have questioned whether Mack, 46, a former wealthy pawn shop owner, can get a fair trial in a case that generated nationwide media attention and prompted intense legal maneuvers.

All Washoe County judges were recused from hearing the criminal case or any civil suits stemming from it because of concerns of prejudice. And District Attorney Dick Gammick removed himself because of his long-standing acquaintance with Mack.

Out of about 400 potential jurors, more than 250 noted a belief of Mack's guilt. But the judge said a surprising number said they are open minded.

"It looks as though the majority of jurors in Washoe County have already made their minds up as it relates to Mr. Mack's guilt or innocence," Freeman said in an interview on Friday. "Obviously, both sides would prefer that opinions have not been made."

Under Nevada law, potential jurors who admit having a preconceived opinion on a defendant's guilt can still be seated if they indicate a willingness and ability to set aside their feelings and decide the case on its merits.

The defense was expected to move for a change of venue after the jury selection process. In Nevada, such motions cannot be heard until after an attempt is made to seat a jury.

District Judge Douglas Herndon last week acknowledged the defense concerns and indicated if an impartial jury cannot be seated, he would move the trial to Las Vegas.

Charla Mack filed for divorce in 2005. In court documents, her lawyer said Darren Mack ignored Weller's order to pay her US$10,000 a month in temporary alimony. Weller found him in contempt of court, but Mack filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying.

The trial is expected to take two to four weeks, attorneys said.
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