A judge in Colorado Springs has denied a request from the defense to move the trial of a man accused of starting a fatal apartment fire.

Attorneys for 24-year-old Derrick "Nicky" Johnson were asking 4th Judicial District Judge Jann DuBois to grant a change of venue, arguing that "massive, pervasive and prejudicial" publicity make it impossible for Johnson to get a fair trial in El Paso County.

Prosecutors opposed the move, saying jurors would be able to set aside any opinions they've formed.

Johnson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, plus first-degree arson and six other felonies in connection with the January 2007 fire at the Castle West Apartment Complex.

The fire killed 52-year-old Joe Santoyo and 32-year-old Clemente Perez Salgado.