Merz was asked by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black to take another look at the case after Widmer's attorney filed objections to his initial findings and recommendations.
But the magistrate judge’s opinions haven’t changed.
“Widmer’s objections are without merit and should be overruled,” Merz wrote in a 48-page decision. “The magistrate judge again respectfully recommends the petition be dismissed with prejudice, that Widmer be denied a certificate of appealability, and that this court certify any appeal would be objectively frivolous.”
Widmer was convicted of drowning his wife, Sarah, in the bathtub of their Warren County home in August 2008.
MORE: Sobbing Widmer tells judge he would have never hurt his wife
After three trials in Warren County and numerous appeals, including one to the United States Supreme Court, Widmer, 36, remains behind bars on a 15-year to life sentence.
His first parole board hearing is scheduled for July 2025.
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