[Dr. Scarpetta]

When the accused doesn't plead guilty and there is loads of evidence against him, this just ticks off the judge and jury. Why did I sit here for four weeks (or more) listening to this garbage? Is the accused not remorseful at all? Why didn't he just take responsibility for the crime he obviously committed? It certainly can reduce sympathy for a clearly guilty defendant.

Since he already confessed, it makes no sense to plead not guilty. IMO

[wouldntbprudent]

Agreed. Unless the defense is supremely confident they can have the confession suppressed, pleading "not guilty" is not a good move.