Dark Side Of The Mesa

Did Michael Blagg Murder His Wife And Daughter?

(CBS) 
The prosecution laid out its case and argued that the fatal weekend began with a fight on Friday, a fight that Jennifer noted in one of her religious books.

The weekend ended, says District Attorney Frank Daniels, with Jennifer's murder late Monday night. "That night, as Jennifer lay in bed, Michael got his gun, he loaded a round into the chamber and he shot Jennifer in the face," Daniels said.

Daniels suggested that Michael murdered his wife because his addiction to Internet pornography had destroyed his once-solid marriage. He then showed the jury the apology e-mail from Michael that said: "I'm sorry if I've given the devil a foothold."

Daniels argued that the devil was lurking in Michael's computer – which included nearly 700 pornographic images.

The prosecution, however, insisted that Michael was a murderer, and that he transported Jennifer's body in the family van after he shot and killed his wife.

The defense had trouble explaining what happened that night, and how blood was found in the family van. "If it weren't a challenge, we wouldn't be here," said Eisner, who maintained that finding Jennifer's blood in the van proved nothing.

Family friends took the stand to praise Michael's marriage and his character. But the defense had a difficult time dealing with Michael's first taped interview, where he seemed detached.

"There is no emotion, no passion, no 'Where is my wife and daughter,'" said Jennifer's brother, David Loman. "It's not there. It doesn't exist."

More damaging to Michael's case than his demeanor, however, was surprise testimony from his mother-in-law, Marilyn Conway. Her testimony would shock the defense.