“I don’t believe the commonwealth would agree to it if he wouldn’t [admit guilt,]” Goodman said.

Wednesday could be one of Matthew’s last days in court, Goodman said, depending on the terms of the plea agreement. While sentencing could go forward on the same day Matthew pleads guilty, Judge Cheryl Higgins may request more time to reflect on the plea agreements or review any pre-sentencing reports.

“It’s all within the discretion of the judge to accept the agreement, in whole or in part,” Goodman said.

By pleading guilty, Matthew also would waive his right to appeal the convictions, meaning the case would not continue to “drag on for years,” Goodman said, which can be painful for the families of the victims. The agreement also might require Matthew to submit to a full interview to police about the cases, if he hasn’t already. Details that have remained a mystery could finally be answered, including the location and manner of death in each case.

“All that is likely to come out on Wednesday, as well,” Goodman said. “In a case of this magnitude, with such public interest … it’s liable to be a very painful several hours in court, hearing some of these details that we have not heard yet.”