Crime Story Editor

You can find links to all of Crime Story’s coverage of the Robert Durst trial here. In this episode, Charles Bagli on Chavin's Choice, journalist Charles Bagli, who covered the Durst trial for The New York Times and CrimeStory.com, profiles Nick Chavin, the man who became his trusted source on the Durst story and, ultimately, Los Angeles prosecutors’ star witness. Host Kary Antholis and co-host Brittany Bookbinder join Charlie for a discussion about Chavin's key role in the legal proceedings against Durst.

In Part 89, Judge Mader discusses the complex considerations when resolving conflicts between parties in court. The Judge then looks to the Thanksgiving holiday and reflects on what she is thankful for in the American criminal justice system. You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here. November 21 The conclusion to the case of the fake animal control officers described on August 26 unfolded in court this morning. Both of the women had entered a stranger’s home to rescue a dog in distress. As the women were dressed in fake uniforms, one with a mail-order badge, the victim surrendered...

In 2009, the California Innocence Project filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus on Reggie Cole’s behalf, alleging a range of grievous errors in Cole's prosecution.

In Part 88, Judge Mader considers how to balance chastising an attorney for insufficient preparation while maintaining efficient courtroom operation. She also describes the ‘absurd’ result of legalizing marijuana but retaining severe penalties for marijuana-related crimes. You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here. November 14 Preparing jury instructions for the murder/vehicular manslaughter trial that was concluding Monday morning consumed part of my three-day weekend. The jury instructions were voluminous. At least sixty pages. The jurors need to analyze the state of mind of the defendant as well as the different types of murder and manslaughter. Just reading the...

In Part 87, Judge Mader explains the strategies lawyers use when selecting a jury. The Judge also discusses the endorsement process for judicial candidates and the importance of ethical standards when vetting prospective judges. You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here. November 9 Selecting a jury has similarities to playing chess for the lawyers. Our defense attorney in the trial has been check-mated. I have not seen this before in forty plus years of jury trials. Here’s what happened: Each side can excuse twenty prospective jurors without giving a reason. It’s a delicate dance. Usually one or both...

Based only on questionable eyewitness identification and unrecorded hearsay, Raymundo Chagolla was charged and convicted of a murder in 2000 he's maintained he did not commit.