The jury deliberating the fate of the driver accused of killing William Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo in New Mexico was given new instructions on Thursday in a move that the judge said could be grounds for a mistrial.

The jury said it was confused by one of the instructions. It turns out that attorneys for defendant Carlos Fierro, 36, an attorney and lobbyist who has worked on Indian issues, submitted language that placed more burden on Tenorio for his death.

Santa Fe County District Attorney Angela “Spence” Pacheco admitted she didn't ready the instructions "word for word." She blamed the mixup on the defense.

Fierro is accused of killing Tenorio, 46, in the early morning hours of November 26, 2008. Fierro admitted he was driving drunk but says he didn't know he hit anyone.

Get the Story:
Altered jury instructions muddle Fierro trial (The Santa Fe New Mexican 10/2)
Fierro Jury Gets New Instruction (The Albuquerque Journal 10/2)

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