Harold Fish Released from Jail

Flagstaff, AZ – A 62-year-old retired teacher who spent nearly three years in jail for the fatal shooting of a hiker near Payson has been released from custody. An order signed yesterday by a Flagstaff judge allowed Harold Fish to be released pending a new trial in the case. Fish claimed he acted in self defense when he shot and killed Grant Kuenzli in 2004 while both men were hiking in the Coconino National Forest. However, prosecutors said Fish overreacted and self defense wasn't justified. Fish was sentenced t 10 years in prison. But a State Appeals Court overturned the conviction last month and ordered a new trial. The court said the judge's jury instructions failed to adequately describe the law of self defense.