Fierro's trial to remain in Santa Fe

SANTA FE (KRQE) - The high powered Santa Fe Attorney accused in a fatal hit-and-run accident will not get the change of venue he was looking for, but he will get more freedom as he awaits his trial.

Carlos Fierro's lawyers argued Monday that their client could not get a fair trial in Santa Fe because of all the media attention, and wanted the proceedings moved to Rio Arriba County.

District Court Judge Michael Vigil disagreed, and set a trail date in Santa Fe for the middle of September.

Investigators said a drunken Carlos Fierro drove his BMW on Guadalupe Street and struck and killed a pedestrian then drove away on the night before Thanksgiving. The victim was William Tenorio.

After losing the change of venue request, Fierro's lawyers asked the judge to ease the conditions of release.

Fierro is currently on an electronic monitoring bracelet. He was only allowed a few hours of chore time outside his home per day.

The judge changed the conditions so Fierro now has free movement during daytime hours to look for a job, care for his daughter and see his attorneys.

"Some of this is about the tragic situation that occurred to the other people involved but his daughter Sophia some of this is about that he needs to work he needs to take care of his daughter," Defense Attorney Jason Bowles said.

Victim William Tenorio's family told prosecutors they felt unsettled.