Mini Mia

UPDATE (1/29/09): For the latest update on this case, see Justice Blinked.

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Every once in a while, I like to update those stories that aren't resolved when originally reported. See e.g., Philly Fill-ins.

The Pantless Wonder, Roy Pearson, is one of those cases. See A Hole in His Pants. Of course, even though the situation is actually sad on many levels, that particular tale of a loony lawyer provides much mirth.

Another case I have followed, however, has no humorous elements. That is the case of Mia Sardella, the Drexel freshman accused of killing her infant son after he was discovered in the trunk of her car. Momma Mia.

There has been a dirth of news about the case, a matter that apparently has been noted by others as well. A smidgen of news was reported yesterday, Sardella in court as attorneys battle over documents:

Mia Sardella, accused in the January 2007 death of her newborn son, was in court Monday and will return July 21 as attorneys finalize the documents that must legally be turned over to the defense prior to trial.

The petite Sardella, 19, stood beside defense attorneys Arthur Donato and Jack Gruenstein as they attempted to thrash out with Deputy District Attorney Michael Galantino what, if any, documents are still outstanding.

Although the case was originally expected to go to trial in January of this year, apparently there is no scheduled trial date set at this point. Truthfully, I'd be surprised if this case ever goes to trial. I expect a plea agreement to be reached before then. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the sticking point is whether she gets credit for "time served," which in this case is electronic monitoring.

As I noted in Pretty Plea, this is truly a tragic situation. The issue for me is whether there has been favorable treatment granted to her because of her family. As I said then:

This brings me back to my original post on this case, which focused on the delays in charges being brought. See Different Strokes for Different Folks. Special treatment still seems to be the order of the day with the way this case is being handled from start to finish. Compare this, for example, with the 17 year old Georgia teen who served 2 years (out of a ten year sentence) for consensual sex with a 15 year old. Georgia Court Frees Man in Teen Sex Case.

As much as I decry that disparity in treatment, as I said in The Witness, in the end I still want to maintain a modicum of mercy towards Sardella. So the end result may not be something that I would object to. I guess I just wish that mercy would be shown to those who may not be as privileged as she. All too often, that's what's lacking -- from those who are fortunate enough to receive it themselves.