That decision, he said, was probably for the best. They had built a solid case, he said, and felt that there was at least a 50 percent chance of winning, but Karri’s decision was more than likely in her best interest. Gardner said there was no doubt that Karri had taken the drugs from her workplace, and no question that she delivered the drugs to Shaw. He had no reason not to believe Karri’s statements, he said, but acknowledged that they might be called into question. The defense would have offered compelling evidence, he said, based on the theory offered by his expert witness of how Shaw had died. O’Dell told the press that the prosecution was receptive to a deal, but said that they were not expecting to receive it that morning, five minutes before walking into the courtroom. The state had been fully prepared to go ahead with the trial, but he said the prosecution was relieved to bring the case to a successful conclusion. “It’s been a very difficult time for everyone involved.
