County, Meeker, Rangely, Stories

Judge orders change of venue in Snider trial

RBC I Ninth Judicial Judge Gail Nichols has ordered a change of venue in the murder trial of Jerry Snider Jr.
Snider Jr. is charged with first degree murder in the death of his father Jerry Snider Sr., which allegedly occurred in the victim’s Rangely home, in July 2009. Jerry Snider Jr. has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
This was the third motion filed by the defendant’s attorneys Tina Fang and Tammy Brady for a change of venue.
Jerry Snider Jr. was tried earlier this year in Rio Blanco County. After six weeks, including a week of jury selection, the judge declared a mistrial.
Publicity and the difficulty in picking a jury in the first trial were cited by Judge Nichols as reasons for the change of venue.
The trial will now be held in Garfield County.
A new trial has been set for May 4 through June 10 in Glenwood Springs. Jerry Snider Jr. remains in the Rio Blanco County jail.
Ninth Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson, Jeff Cheney and Matt Barrett who prosecuted the case, did not return a call for comment.

By bobby [email protected] I Ninth Judicial Judge Gail Nichols has ordered a change of venue in the murder trial of Jerry Snider Jr.Snider Jr. is charged with first degree murder in the death of his father Jerry Snider Sr., which allegedly occurred in the victim’s Rangely home, in July 2009. Jerry Snider Jr. has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.This was the third motion filed by the defendant’s attorneys Tina Fang and Tammy Brady for a change of venue.Jerry Snider Jr. was tried earlier this year in Rio Blanco County. After six weeks, including a week of jury selection, the judge declared a mistrial.Publicity and the difficulty in picking a jury in the first trial were sited by Judge Nichols as reasons for the change of venue.The trial will now be held in Garfield County.A new trial has been set for May 4 through June 10 in Glenwood Springs. Jerry Snider Jr. remains in the Rio Blanco County jail.Ninth Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson, Jeff Cheney and Matt Barrett who prosecuted the case, did not return a call for comment.

One Comment

  1. Beverly R DeVore-Wedding

    Duh! Should have done this in the first place! Also could have certainly done a better job seating the jury the first time-perhaps read through all of the survey of each individual; perhaps get rid of the attitude “You will know only what we want you to know” since I am not going to quit thinking just because I am on a jury.
    Anyone who thinks “pleading not guilty due to insanity” is a viable defense should have to provide the evidence for that–not the other side have to prove that the accused is sane! Only 12 states let the defense enter a plea of “Not guilty due to insanity,” of course Colorado being one. Four states have outright done away with that plea; of the 12 states that allow only a few make the prosecution prove sanity instead of the defense proving insanity. Silly. Yes, Colorado is one that requires prosecution to provide evidence of sanity not the defense provide evidence of insanity.
    Yes, I did a little research which was part of my being excused from jury duty after 7 days of telling them I did not believe in the defense’s plea.

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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
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Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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View on Instagram |
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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