Sports Promoter Freed After 2nd Mistrial on Murder Charge

Stockton developer and sports promoter Michael Blatt was released from custody Friday after dismissal of a charge that he arranged the bow and arrow murder of a former business associate.

San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Duane Martin dismissed the criminal complaint against Blatt during a brief court session in Oakland, where the case was moved because of publicity in Stockton.

San Joaquin Dist. Atty. John Phillips said Thursday he would seek dismissal of charges that Blatt hired two ex-football players from the University of the Pacific to murder Stockton real estate agent Laurence J. Carnegie in 1989.

Phillips made the decision after two juries had been unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the case. The first jury deadlocked 9 to 3 for conviction, but the second was deadlocked 11 to 1 for acquittal.

Blatt was acting general manager of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League in 1989.