Pueblo homicide trial ends in mistrial over 'ineffective assistance of counsel'

A mistrial was declared Friday in a Pueblo homicide case, court records show.

Steven Vigil, 30, is accused of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder for fatally shooting Christopher Salazar and allegedly attempting to shoot another person on the night of Sept. 21, 2023.

According to a minute order filed by the court, the mistrial was the result of a statement made by the defense during opening statements. The exact nature of the statement was not disclosed in the order.

According to the order, the defense requested the court provide the jury with a curative jury instruction and stated there was no need for a mistrial. However, prosecuting attorneys stated they did not believe that the instruction the defense requested would cure the issue and requested the jury be instructed to disregard the statement in question.

The court, however, found that the remedial instruction would not be appropriate and that the jury would not be able to follow the instruction. "The court also finds that the defense opened the door and prosecution can go into the subject," the order states.

The defense requested a mistrial due to "ineffective assistance of counsel" and the prosecution did not object. The mistrial was granted and the court asked Vigil if he would like new counsel.

Attorneys Cameron Black and Amelia Blythe, who represented Vigil, are still listed as the attorneys of record for Vigil in the case.

Tenth Judicial District Attorney Jeff Chostner declined to comment as the case is ongoing, and the Pueblo office of the Colorado State Public Defender's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

A new trial for Vigil is scheduled to begin July 1.

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Mistrial declared in Pueblo murder trial of Steven Vigil