Surprise! Jaycee Dugard's Kidnapper Pleads Not Guilty
Phillip Garrido talks with his court appointed attorney, Susan Gellman, in court today. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
According to the Daily News, Garrido was expected to plead guilty to charges alleging that he abducted Dugard off the street in 1991, then held her against her will for almost twenty years. While in captivity, Dugard gave birth at age 14 and again at age 17. Both babies were girls, and both were fathered by Garrido.
The not guilty plea came after Garrido's attorney took issue with the jury selection, reports the Daily News:
...Phillip Garrido's attorney, Susan Gellman, contended the grand jury was improperly selected and did not act appropriately during its proceedings. Gellman did not elaborate in court.
Had he plead guilty as originally expected, Garrido would have faced life in prison. If convicted, he still faces a maximum penalty of 431 years behind bars.