Defense attorney: Plea deal a 'win'

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - They're two of the best defense attorneys in Baldwin County, and both represent Steve Nodine. The "win" as they call it, came in the form of a plea deal Friday in Nodine's murder case.

"We had to educate him on the risk of a trial. Once that sunk in, he said, ‘I'll plead.'  But, he didn't want to," said Pascal Bruijn.

Bruijn and John Beck said the plea deal was in the works for weeks. Beck said after Special Prosecutor David Whetstone saw some of the new evidence that was to be presented, negotiations began. So what was the new evidence?

"Most significantly was another documented suicide attempt or threat of suicide by Mrs. Downs about five years ago," said Beck.

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One alleged suicide attempt came to light during Nodine's first trial. Bruijn said they were also going to call a witness who would testify that Nodine showered before downs died, not after, disputing a key point in the first trial.

"An employee with the Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach would've testified he saw our client shower. Mrs. Newcomb made a big deal that our client was clean suggesting he showered after he shot Angel Downs," Bruijn said.

Newcomb was the district attorney who prosecuted Nodine during his first trial, which Beck and Bruijn believe should have never happened. They applauded Whetstone.

"He looked at this case. It took him awhile, but he looked at it and did the right thing," said Beck

The attorneys both said thousands of hours have been put into this. And in the end, Bruijn said this is what he'll take away from it all.

"Just focus on what's important, not the court of public opinion. Focus on what a jury would hear."

Nodine pleaded guilty to third degree domestic violence and perjury. His sentence is now in the hands of the judge. That court date is set for October.

Beck and Bruijn said they will argue for time served and probation.