YouTube Confessor Pleads Not Guilty: Judge Explodes [Video]
The YouTube confessor has pleaded not guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide. Matthew Cordel made headlines last week with his video confession. The 22-year-old man confessed to killing 61-year-old Vincent Canzani while driving drunk.
The wrong-way accident occurred on June 22. However, police were waiting for toxicology results.
As authorities awaited the results, Cordel made the bold decision to post his confession via YouTube.
As the confession begins, Cordel’s face is pixellated. By the end of the video, he reveals his face and his name. In the confession, Cordel takes full responsibility for his actions. He discusses his intention to turn himself in and plead guilty.
The taped confession ends with a warning to others. Do not drink and drive.
As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, Cordel turned himself in to Ohio authorities following the video’s release. On Monday, he appeared in Franklin County Common Pleas court before Judge Julie Lynch.
When Cordel plead not guilty, the judge exploded.
Although she did not see it, Judge Lynch knew about the YouTube confessor’s film. The prosecution and defense attorneys agreed that Matthew Cordel would plead guilty at his arraignment.
The judge was stunned when Cordel plead not guilty. She planned to give Cordel a sentence below the maximum penalty in exchange for a guilty plea. However, she now questions Cordel’s remorse.
Judge Lynch postponed the arraignment, suggesting that Cordel follow through with the previous plan. The arraignment is rescheduled for today.
As reported by ABC News, Matthew Cordel’s attorneys say that prosecutors were aware of the not guilty plea. They contend that pleading not guilty is a commonly practiced legal maneuver.
Judge Lynch says she was shocked and “incensed” by the development.
If found guilty, the YouTube confessor could face up to eight years in prison. Matthew Cordel’s not guilty plea may have negated his apparent remorse.
[Image via Flickr]
