As expected, the judge who is overseeing the retrials in the Christian-Newsom carjacking and murder case is not stepping down.
Channon Christian and Chris Newsom were carjacked, raped, and murdered in January 2007. Four defendants were found guilty in connection with their murders, but last year, former judge Richard Baumgartner admitted to a prescription pill addiction. Those convictions were tossed out and new trials granted, and since then, prosecutors have been battling to have them reinstated.
Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood issued a written ruling Monday, after saying in court that he would not recuse himself last month.
Prosecutors had argued the judge has become too emotionally involved and can no longer fairly preside over the cases.
In the eight page written ruling, Blackwood lays out his reasons for not stepping down. You can read those reasons in Judge Blackwood's own words, here.