Probably b/c of evidence.
There was nothing that tied him to the murder other than his confession. So I'm guessing the trial is to prove if he actually did it...or taking the charge to protect someone else.
That's one scenario
You're forgetting that Ronnie was a CI for that detective, and that detective knew he fucked up when he told Ronnie about Coogie being a suspect in Jason's murder.
So, when Coogie ended up getting killed, the detective knew all along that Ronnie did it..........he just didn't have any proof at the time.
Once Ronnie confessed, the detective had everything he needed to confirm his suspicions about him being the one who killed Coogie.
Which brings me to the next quote:
Fellas a confession alone is not enough. A confession can be thrown out of court. It gives them cause to hold you while they gather evidence. If kevin doesnt testify they have no case. If he does testify a plea will be offered. If he rejects the pleas they go to trial.
A confession and a guilty plea go hand-in-hand.
Meaning, no one's going to make a confession if they don't plan on pleading guilty.........just as no one who pleads not guilty is going to make a confession.
It just doesn't make sense.
For one, the State's main goal is to close cases.
So, if they've got an open-and-shut case, there's no reason to put the state through the expense of having a trial........for a crime that someone already confessed to.
Also, they don't need Kevin's testimony for anything.
The only reason it would be needed is if Ronnie didn't admit to the murder......which, as we all know.....he already confessed to.