ASPEN, Colo. — Prosecutors will pursue separate trials for two people accused of starting the Lake Christine wildfire in western Colorado last summer by firing incendiary tracer rounds at a shooting range.
District Attorney Bruce Brown told the Aspen Daily News Friday that separate trials for Richard Miller and Allison Marcus will allow prosecutors to use as much evidence as possible at each trial.
Prosecutors originally had sought a single trial. The change comes after a Judge Paul Dunkelman ruled that statements Miller made to law enforcement shortly after the fire broke out cannot be used against Marcus.
Miller and Marcus have pleaded not guilty to four felony charges related to the fire last July that destroyed three homes.
Miller’s trial is set to begin May 28 while Marcus’ trial is set for June 17.