Supreme Court Denies Appeal in Molt Killing Case

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a Molt man's deliberate homicide conviction in the shooting death of his neighbor while prosecutors say he was trying to collect a $35 debt.

Jeffrey Hardman appealed, arguing he did not receive a fair trial in the Oct. 15, 2009 death of 33-year-old Michael Blattie. The appeal said he shot Blattie in self-defense, but that several court rulings limited his ability to present that defense.

During the trial, Hardman testified he went to Blattie's house and brought the gun for protection. Hardman said the two struggled and the revolver accidentally fired during the fight.

The Supreme Court said that since Hardman did not allege justifiable use of force at trial, he could not raise it on appeal. Hardman is serving a 110-year sentence.