Washoe DA turns Mack case over to Clark County prosecutors

Wednesday, July 5, 2006 | 6:01 a.m.

RENO, Nev. - Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, citing possible conflicts, on Monday turned the prosecution of a wealthy businessman charged with killing his wife and shooting a judge over to the Clark County district attorney's office.

At a morning news conference, Gammick cited his status as a potential witness and a 20-year friendship with Darren Mack for the decision.

"I don't like to turn loose of anything," Gammick said, but added it would be "very blind of me" not to recognize the pitfalls if one of his deputies handled the case.

"We don't want to risk the case on it ..." he said.

Mack, 45, is charged with murder, attempted murder and battery in the June 12 stabbing death of his estranged wife Charla Mack and shooting of Family Court Judge Chuck Weller.

Defense lawyers Scott Freeman and David Chesnoff last week filed motions seeking to bar all Washoe County prosecutors and judges from any involvement in the case because of alleged conflicts.

Mack surrendered to authorities in Mexico on June 23 after 11 days on the lam.

During that time, Gammick said Mack called him about a dozen times to discuss his surrender.

The district attorney also said Mack sought him out in recent weeks to discuss his divorce and child-custody battle.

Gammick said a team of prosecutors being assembled by Clark County District Attorney David Rogers will make all decisions in the case, including whether Mack will face a possible death penalty.