Overview
- A three-judge Colorado Court of Appeals panel reversed the case Thursday, ruling that a biased juror deliberated and ordering a new trial.
- The juror was the father-in-law of a deputy district attorney in the El Paso County office that tried the case, which the court said required removal for cause.
- The majority called the mistake a structural error that triggers automatic reversal, while a dissent argued the defense waived the claim by not using a peremptory strike.
- The Fourth Judicial District said it will consult the Attorney General about asking the Colorado Supreme Court to review the ruling, and it has 42 days to file.
- A 2023 jury found Stauch guilty and she received life without parole after jurors rejected an insanity plea, and she remains in state custody as the case returns to court.