The meeting was held in the conference room of the offices of County District Attorney Michael Lytell. They were all there. Steffi Lincoln, Connie Nabors, and Becky Nyman, each accompanied by her parents. Their counsel, the Honorable Murray Kornbluth, also was present.
When everyone was seated, Lytell stood and addressed them. “I’m supposing you all know why you’re here.”
The girls made eye contact with each other. They glanced briefly at their parents. Then they nodded to D.A. Lytell.
“You will each be placed under arrest and charged with second-degree murder. You will be remanded to Juvenile Court where bail will be determined. Given your ages and the damage inflicted on you by the deceased, Henry Carson, this office is recommending you be released into the custody of your parents while you await trial.”
Murray Kornbluth stood and spoke directly to the girls. “Do you understand that murder charges will be pressed against you?”
They all nodded.
“Does anyone have anything to say?”
No one did.
Kornbluth sat and Lytell spoke again. “This is a most unfortunate circumstance. While each of you was no doubt the victim of a heinous crime, you in turn exercised poor judgment in taking the law into your own hands. I want you to know my office has tremendous empathy for what you’ve been through and we will do everything in our power to see that you have a fair trial and are treated kindly and compassionately. We trust the court to be equally understanding of your circumstance. Is all this clear?”
Everyone nodded their assent.
“In that case, we’re done here. My associate, Skip Wilder, will guide you through the proceedings. Please feel free to ask him any questions you might have.”
Prior to leaving the room, Lytell motioned me aside. “Are you okay with this?”
“What are their chances?”
“Were I a betting man, I’d say they were good.”
“Meaning?”
“This is a high-profile case. A lot will depend on the efficacy of their counsel, but extenuating circumstances should be a factor and I can’t really see a jury convicting them.”
“Is Kornbluth up to the task?”
“Good question.”
“Is he?”
“There are better.”
“In L.A.?”
He nodded.
“Who?”
“You mean which lawyers?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll prepare a short list.”
“How will he react?”
“Kornbluth?”
I nodded.
“He’s been around the block a few times.”
“Meaning?”
“He knows his limitations.”
“When can I have the list?”
“Later today.”
“I’ll talk to the families.”
“I never said this, but it’s a big-deal case. There’ll be more media attention than you could shake a stick at.”
He glanced at Murray Kornbluth, making certain he wasn’t listening. Then he lowered his voice and said, “There’s every chance one of these big-deal law firms would take it on pro bono.”
“Even better.”
“But remember,” Lytell reiterated, “I never told you any of this.”
“Any of what?”