Reno man appeals convictions of wife’s murder, attempt to kill judge

The Associated Press

6 years ago

Darren Mack sits in court on Oct. 2, 2007, during his murder trial in Reno. Mack was convicted of murdering his wife, Charla, and shooting Washoe Family Court Judge Chuck Weller in June 2006. Mack is appealing his conviction. (Marilyn Newton/AP pool)

Darren Mack testifies at a hearing in a Reno courtroom on Jan. 17, 2008. Mack was convicted of murdering his wife, Charla, and shooting Washoe Family Court Judge Chuck Weller in June 2006. Mack is appealing his conviction. (Marilyn Newton/AP pool)

RENO — A Reno man is again appealing his conviction for murdering his ex-wife and trying to assassinate the judge in their divorce 12 years ago.

Darren Mack was the target of an international manhunt before the local prosecutor persuaded him to surrender in Mexico.

The former wealthy pawn shop owner claimed he slashed Charla Mack’s throat in self-defense.

He wants the Nevada Supreme Court to reconsider comments from jurors his lawyer says had reasonable doubt about his guilt before Mack agreed to a sudden plea deal that sent him to prison for at least 36 years.

The court rejected Mack’s appeal in January after striking from the record a transcript of comments jurors made to “Dateline NBC” following the plea deal mid-trial. His new lawyer, William Routsis, says their remarks show they wanted to hear Mack’s side of the story.