Jason Sadowski

MARQUETTE — Judge Brian D. Rahilly of the Alger County 11th Circuit Court set aside the jury’s verdict in the Jason Sadowski case Tuesday, changing the conviction to a lesser charge of second-degree murder.

The jury’s original conviction of first-degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison without parole.

The new conviction of second-degree murder carries a sentence of life or any term of years.

Ishpeming resident Sadowski was convicted in November in the May 2019 killing of Munising resident Timothy Mozader.

“We are frankly shocked and alarmed by the ruling,” said Alger County Prosecuting Attorney Robert T. Steinhoff in a press release. “With this ruling, the court is saying that no reasonable jury could have found the defendant guilty based on the proofs the prosecution presented at trial. In fact, Mr. Sadowski was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder by a jury of his peers, which was supported by our evidence alone. We strongly disagree with the court’s ruling and believe it is contrary to the law.”

The prosecutor’s press release issued Tuesday says that Steinhoff is considering appellate options for review of the court decision.

Sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Dec. 21 in Alger County Circuit Court.

The Mining Journal reached out for comment from the court but received no response.