Mack enters plea deal in Reno courthouse shooting case
LAS VEGAS (AP) ” Darren Mack, on trial for killing his wife and shooting the judge who was handling their bitter divorce in Reno, pleaded Monday to both counts, bringing an abrupt end to his jury trial.
The surprise move Monday came as defense lawyers Scott Freeman and David Chesnoff began presenting their case to jurors.
Mack, 46, was on trial for the June 12, 2006 stabbing death of his estranged wife, Charla, at Mack’s townhouse in south Reno.
Authorities said after the killing, Mack drove to a downtown parking garage and shot Washoe Family Court Judge Chuck Weller through the third-floor window of the judge’s chambers.
The judge survived.
Under the deal accepted by District Judge Doug Herndown, Mack pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his wife. He entered an “Alford” plea to the attempted murder charge, the Nevada equivalent of no contest by admitting he shot the judge but without legally admitting he was guilty of that crime.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: 
Moderator 
Trusted User
Town Council hears presentation on new library
Friends of the Truckee Library gave a presentation at Tuesday’s Truckee Town Council meeting, providing an update on work to ensure a new library while asking for further support for the project.
