Prosecutors won’t fight new trial for Blagg

Prosecutors say they will not appeal a judge’s order granting a new trial to a Mesa County man serving a life sentence for killing his wife.

The Daily Sentinel reported Thursday that District Attorney Pete Hautzinger believes he would have little chance of getting the order overturned. The judge granted a new trial for Michael Blagg in June because a juror deliberately lied about experiencing domestic violence.

Hautzinger says he consulted Colorado Attorney General John Suthers before deciding not to appeal.

Blagg was convicted in 2004 of killing his wife, Jennifer. He will be moved from prison back to the Mesa County Jail in upcoming weeks.

Hautzinger says Blagg could be released while he awaits trial if a judge vacates his conviction and he posts bond.