ON THE RUN NO MORE: 'PARK HILL DAVE' FINDS A HOME

Photo: Denver Parks and Recreation  

On April 23, animal control officer nabbed a pooch that eluded them for months at the Denver's old Park Hill Golf Course.

This week, "Park Hill Dave" was adopted into a new home.

To lure Dave, officers used a "humane trap with a nice juicy steak inside." They then traced his microchip to a Commerce City shelter, which had found Dave a home in Aurora about a year earlier.

The wayward German Shepherd bolted on his first day there, and as best can be told, embarked on a solo journey.

Denver Animal Shelter chief Melanie Sobel said: “Park Hill Dave survived a very difficult situation, months outside in the cold, without proper food, water, veterinary care, and the company of others."

LUCK RUNS OUT FOR LOTTERY TICKET THIEVES; 4 INDICTED

A grand jury indicted four people accused of stealing $150,000 in instant lottery tickets from convenience stores and service stations in Denver, Boulder and other Front Range communities.

The Colorado Attorney General's office identified the accused ringleader as Richard McBee, and said his scratch-happy gang would target locations staffed by a single clerk - and lure the clerk from the counter.

"While the store clerk was distracted, McBee would sneak behind the counter and steal high-value lottery scratch tickets from the store’s dispenser," the AG's office said.

"Within hours of the theft, and before the theft was discovered, McBee would enter a different gas station or store to redeem prizes from the stolen lottery tickets," the AG's office said.

TEEN FACES CHARGES IN LOWRY BLVD. KILLING

A 17-year-old is facing charges in an April 15 shooting death in the 8500-block of East Lowry Boulevard, according to Denver police.

• In a separate incident, police arrested a woman in an April 20 stabbing in the 3200-block of West Nevada Place.

TRUE CRIME: JACK GILBERT GRAHAM, DENVER MASS MURDERER

Photo: FBI

It was mass murder at 10,000 feet.

On Nov. 1, 1955, a bomb blasted United Air Lines Flight 629 out of the night sky over Longmont - killing all 44 aboard the DC-6 departing Denver's old Stapleton Airport.

Remorseless Jack Gilbert Graham, 24, married with two children, was tried, convicted and executed within 15 months. The prosecution said he acted "coldly, carefully, and deliberately.”

Graham, who had a criminal record, planted the bomb to collect on a life insurance policy on his mother, passenger Daisie King.

His half-sister told the FBI that before Graham was arrested he had said, if as joking: "Can’t you just see those shotgun shells going off in the plane every which way and the pilots, passengers and ‘Grandma’ jumping around.” 

In her luggage, Graham packed 25 sticks of dynamite, two electric primer caps, a timer, and a six-volt battery - and disguised it as a gift.

The dastardly device slashed the fuselage in two. The flaming wreckage showered on farmland, creating a wide debris field. 

In his confession, Graham told police he "wrapped about three or four feet of binding cord around the sack of dynamite to hold the dynamite sticks in place around the caps.

"The purpose of the two caps was in case one of the caps failed to function and ignite the dynamite," he said.

At his execution - according to Time Magazine - Graham said: "As far as feeling remorse for those people, I don't. I can't help it. Everybody pays their way and takes their chances. That's just the way it goes."

The FBI said Graham resided at 2650 West Mississippi Avenue in Denver.

Flight 629 victims

1 DEAD IN HORRIFIC I-25 WRECK

Photo: Denver Fire Department
A person died in a single-vehicle wreck early Monday on northbound I-25 at 20th Street, according to Denver police.

NOT AMUSING: TENSE MOMENTS AS TOWERING PARK RIDE STALLS

Photo: Elitch Gardens

The 17-story Star Flyer ride stalled at Elitch Gardens amusement park Saturday, the Denver Fire Department said.

"No rescue was necessary," the fire department said. "All riders were lowered slowly with park personnel in control." None of the riders required medical attention.

Firefighters regularly conduct drills at the amusement park and "are well versed on the nuances of rescuing passengers and the coordination needed with park technicians," the fire department said.

The Star Flyer is capable of running at 50 mph, according to Elitch Gardens.

'TDA' GANGBANGER ORDERED OUT OF COUNTRY

Photo: ICE Denver
Tatoo-faced Joel Matos-Nieto, 23, a Venezuelan national and reputed member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, was slapped with a final order of removal on April 23, ICE Denver said. Matos has a criminal record, including convictions for auto theft, obstructing a police officer and criminal mischief, ICE said.

CUTE, CUDDLY - AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY

Humans risk deadly rabies by approaching or touching wildlife - even cute and cuddly creatures, Denver animal protection services warns. Rabies is spread by an animal's saliva "Even a seemingly healthy animal could be carrying rabies and not exhibit any symptoms," officials say.

CRIME STOPPERS: HUNT APRIL 23 HIT & RUN TRUCK

Be on the lookout. A hit-and-run pickup truck injured a stand-up scooter rider late Wednesday near Speer Boulevard and Wewatta Street in Denver, police said. 

POLICE SEEK CLUES IN APRIL 2023 DOUBLE-MURDER

SERIOUS FIRE AT FRANKLIN ST. AND COLORADO AVE.

Photo: Denver Fire Department
A basement fire belching heavy flames and smoke gutted a home at Franklin Street and East Colorado Avenue late Wednesday, the Denver Fire Department said. 

STOP SIGNS APPLY TO BIKES, TOO

In an update on this week's collision between a bicyclist and an auto at South Julian Street and West Bayaud Street in Denver, police said it appears the bicyclist, who was traveling north on Julian Street, "disobeyed a stop sign and struck the motorist." The bicyclist suffered serious injuries.

SCOOTER RIDER HURT IN HIT & RUN NEAR BALL ARENA

A hit-and-run driver injured a scooter rider late Wednesday near Speer Boulevard and Wewatta Street in Denver, police said. A woman was reported to be behind the wheel of the suspect vehicle, described as a 2021 GMC Sierra dark-colored pickup truck with Colorado tags 83LARA.

DENVER REPORTS THIS YEAR'S SECOND CASE OF MEASLES

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment confirmed this year's second case of measles in the city. The patient is an adult. Officials said the latest case poses no risk to the general public. Measles is highly contagious. Vaccinations are very effective.

COLD CASE: THE MAN WEARING THE HOLY CROSS

Photos: Denver Medical Examiner

On Jan. 8, 1997, a passerby found a dead man in an alley between South Julian Circle and South Irving Street wearing a brown cord necklace with a cross pendant.

The man, believed to be Hispanic and in his 20s, had brown hair and eyes, a thin mustache, a tattoo on his upper arm left and a scar on his left forearm, according to the Denver medical examiner.

There were also blemishes on his face in his autopsy photo. 

The man stood 5-foot-7 and weighed 16o pounds and carried no identification.

GET CRACKING! HERE'S SOME EGG-CELLENT ADVICE

"Eggs can still be good for up to 20–35 days past the sell-by date, so don’t toss them yet," Denver public health officials advise. "Try the float test—fresh eggs sink, and they’re perfect for breakfast!"

GUILTY PLEA IN 'JOJO' ARAGON SLAYING

"JoJo" Aragon

Deigo Lopez

Photos: Denver Police

Diego Lopez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the savage slaying of 14-year-old Josiaz “Jojo” Aragon during a playground gun deal gone bad.

The crime occurred in broad daylight.

Lopez, who was 16 at the time, was "in the process of buying" a weapon from the younger youth, the Denver DA said. A police investigation found videos linking Lopez to the killing.

The medical examiner ruled Aragon was shot, stabbed and beaten.

His body was found near a baseball diamond at the Southwest Recreation Center at 9200 West Saratoga Place on Aug 8. 2022.

Lopez, who was arrested two months later, faces up to 48 years in prison.

His sentencing is set for July 18.

Said DA John Walsh: "Diego Lopez is finally accepting responsibility for his horrific and senseless actions.  We will seek a heavy prison term when he’s sentenced.”

GUNMAN CONVICTED IN 'GOOD SAMARITAN' SLAYING

Photo: Denver Police

A jury has convicted gun-wielding Trahavonie Smith of second-degree murder in the killing of "Good Samaritan" Garry Arellano, the Denver DA said.

Smith, now 27, shot Arellano, 63, on April,27, 2022, as Arellano attempted to stop a fight between Smith’s teenage girlfriend and another girl in La-Alma-Lincoln Park at 1265 Mariposa St. 

The jury also convicted Smith of unlawful possession of a large capacity magazine. 

Sentencing is set for July 11. Smith faces up to 48 years in prison.

EASTER SUNDAY STABBING ON NEVADA PLACE

A person was stabbed Sunday in the 3200-block on West Nevada Place in Denver and transported to hospital, police said.

FEDERAL BLVD. CRASH KILLS 2 ON EASTER EVE

Two pedestrians were killed by an auto on southbound Federal Boulevard at West 14th Avenue in Denver, police said. The accident occurred Saturday night. Police initially reported the victims were riding an electric scooter and then determined they were on foot. The driver remained on the scene. 

• In a separate case, Denver police reported a pair of wrecks involving "multiple vehicles" on eastbound I-70 near Quebec Street Sunday. One person was injured and transported to hospital. I-70 was shut down at Holly Street for several hours.

KALAMATH STREET SHOOTING; 1 HURT

A person suffered a leg injury in a shooting in the 1200-block of South Kalamath Street in Denver, police said Sunday. The person was transported to hospital.

'NO TRUMP!' RAGE UNLEASHED - AGAIN - AT CAPITOL

Photo: Colorado Newsline

For the second time in two weeks, angry Americans staged a Hands Off! protest against Trump administration policies at the state capitol in Denver.

Saturday's event attracted an estimated 3,000 people, Colorado Newsline reported. The initial April 5 rally drew more than 8,000.

"Until we address and rebuild America’s foundation, this house will fall,” said Robert Davis, a member of the Denver Task Force to Reimagine Policing.

A rally organizer, McKenzie Hales, said: "We deserve a country that doesn’t just say the word ‘freedom’ but one that practices it."

ARREST IN PONTIAC ST. SHOOTING

A suspect been arrested in a shooting stemming from a family disturbance, Denver police said Saturday. Malachi Robinson, 18, was held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder in Friday's incident in the 3500-block on North Pontiac Street. The victim is expected to survive.

WHAT'S UP DOC? BLAME RUNWAY RABBIT FOR AIRBORNE JETLINER BLAZE

Investigators confirmed it was a rabbit on the runway that forced a United Airlines flight to make an emergency return to Denver International Airport.

The right engine ingested the unfortunate hare as the jetliner gathered speed, causing flames to shoot out from beneath the wing.

The pilot suspected as much shortly after takeoff, radioing the Denver airport tower: "Rabbit through the number 2, that'll do it."

There were no injuries - aside from the rabbit  - in the April 13 mishap.

ICE ARRESTS 5 ROMANIAN NATIONALS IN THEFT RING PROBE

Photo: ICE
Denver ICE agents conducting an investigation into a possible theft ring apprehended five suspects, all identified as Romanian nationals with police records, officials said. They face deportation proceedings.

1 SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PONTIAC ST. SHOOTING

One person suffered serious injuries in a shooting Friday in the 3500-block of North Pontiac Street, Denver police said.

• In a separate incident, a person was stabbed in the 1400-block of Market Street, police said Friday.

SAVE 1 TRAPPED IN CHERRY CREEK DR. WRECK

Photos: Denver Fire Department
Denver firefighters rescued a person trapped in a pickup truck wreck Thursday at Cherry Creek Drive and Dexter Street. The person was transported to hospital, the fire department said.

ARREST 2 IN DEADLY ODESSA ST. SHOOTING, CRASH

Denver police opened a first-degree murder investigation into a Wednesday shooting that led to a rollover wreck in the vicinity of East 38th Avenue and Odessa Street.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene and woman and two children were injured in the incident and transported to hospital. The man suffered a gunshot would.

Police arrested Ashley Stone, 38, and David Bland, 39, as suspects. The shooting apparently followed an altercation between Stone and the woman in the auto, police said.

 

Click on press release to enlarge

MORE BARK THAN BITE? DON'T COUNT ON IT!

Photo: Denver Animal Shleter
It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week - and the Denver Animal Shelter cautions: "When approaching an unfamiliar dog, always ask its owner before interacting with the dog. Recognizing body language and warning signs is crucial to preventing a bite. Dogs use various body postures and signals to communicate feelings such as fear, aggression, stress or playfulness."

PAIR OF EASTSIDE SHOOTINGS LEAVE 1 DEAD, 4 INJURED

A shooting and single-vehicle accident Wednesday left one person dead and three others injured in the vicinity of East 38th Avenue and North Odessa Street, Denver police said. The person suffering the fatal injuries had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene while the others were transported to hospital "with injuries related to the crash," police said. All were reported to be occupants of the vehicle.

Another shooting Wednesday in the 8500-block of East Alameda Avenue injured one person, police said. Officers surrounded an apartment in search of an assailant, however, no arrests were made.

PRAISE BRAVE COP FOR FIGHTING FLAMES NEAR PROPANE TANK

Photo: Denver Police Department
Wielding only his patrol car's fire extinguisher, a Denver police officer stopped flames lapping near a burning RV's propane tank before fire crews arrived. Concerned about a potential propane blast, Officer Chavez "sprang into action" when he came upon the March 4 blaze in the 200-block of West Warner Place, police said. A person was living in the RV.

EAST LOWRY BLVD. SHOOTING

A person was shot Tuesday in the 8500-block of East Lowry Boulevard in Denver, police said. They were transported to hospital. 

POLICE DRAGNET FOR EXPIRED, FAKE AUTO TAGS

Scofflaws beware. Denver police are cracking on owners of motor vehicles with expired registrations and fake tags. The dragnet will run through May 20. Motorists are subject to fines. Neighboring communities are conducting similar operations. Violations took off during the pandemic. 

HORROR WRECK AT 14TH AND FEDERAL; 1 TRAPPED

Photo: Denver Fire Department
Denver firefighters extricated a person pinned in a horribly mangled wreck Tuesday at 14th Street and Federal Boulevard. Reports said a speeding, stolen vehicle smashed into two other vehicles in a 35 mph zone. Police said two people were transported to hospital.     

DENVER FBI WARN OF CYPER 'PIG BUTCHERING'

 

Beware of crypto crooks and bitcoin bandits. The FBI Denver field office warns: "Protect yourself from crypto investment scams, aka 'pig butchering.' Research before investing anything. Do not send money to anyone you meet online or via apps. Do not trust anyone offering a 'sure bet.'"

PLAN TO SLOW PACE OF DENVER SCHOOL SHUTDOWNS

A proposal by the superintendent of Denver's public schools could slow the pace of school closures and consolidations to a minimum of every three years.

"This period includes two consecutive years to implement the approved recommendation and one year for review," a draft says.

"However, a new recommendation may be presented if there is a significant change in enrollment or funding, or an unforeseen emergency." 

The plan is subject to review by the city school board.

25 YEARS FOR 'BLOODS' GANGBANGER IN POT SHOP HEISTS

It's good bye to another Denver gangbanger.

Korey Anderson, the last of 14 "Bloods" tied to armed robberies and burglaries of marijuana dispensaries, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, the Denver DA said. 

Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, one count of aggravated robbery and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.

Four others have already received lengthy prison sentences - from 10 to 30 years - stemming from five armed robberies, 40 burglaries and 12 attempted burglaries during 2023.

Anderson's sentencing "marks a major victory for public safety, ending a months-long investigation into the Bloods street gang," said Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI's Denver Field Office. 

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said: “Let these lengthy sentences serve as a warning to anyone involved in criminal enterprises that they too could spend decades in prison for their actions.”

10 YEARS FOR MOWING DOWN BOXING GYM OWNER

Omar Delgado has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally hitting a "beloved boxing gym owner" during a police chase, the Denver DA's office said. Delgado pleaded guilty to "vehicular eluding resulting in death" in the killing of Joaquin Romero on South Eliot Street in February 2022.

MONSTER MORTICAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY CORPSE ABUSE

Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff Miles Harford, former owner of Apollo Funeral and Cremation Services, pleaded guilty Monday to one felony count of abuse of a corpse and one misdemeanor count of theft, the Denver DA said. Harford faces up to 18 months in prison. Sentencing set for June 9. The monster mortician was accused of storing the body of the late Christina Rosales in a hearse for more than a year and mishandling cremated remains of at least 30 others - among other a variety of other changes.

Police made the discoveries during an eviction at a home on Quitman Street on Feb. 6, 2024.

Harford delivered the cremated remains of another person to the Rosales family "with the intention of making them believe that Ms. Rosales had been appropriately cremated," the DA's Office said.

DA John Walsh said Harford robbed friends and family "of their peace of mind and opportunity to grieve" and is "now accepting responsibility for those actions."

FIND BODY IN REMOTE SECTION OF CITY

Denver police reported a body was found Saturday near 49th Avenue and Logan Street - a remote and sparsely populated section of the city. The medical examiner will determine if the case is a homicide, police said. 

FIREFIGHTER INJURED AT WASHINGTON AND 50TH AVE.

Photo: Denver Fire Department
A firefighter was injured Saturday in a building fire at a former used car dealership at Washington Street and 50th Avenue, the Denver Fire Department said. The firefighter's injury was described as minor. The building suffered heavy damage. 

POLICE SEEK SUSPECTS IN STABBINGS

Denver police are seeking suspects in a pair of Saturday stabbings. The first stabbing occurred near 20th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and the victim was transported to a hospital. The second occurred near 6th Avenue and Federal Boulevard. The victim in that stabbing was also sent to a hospital.  

AFRICA TORTURE TRIAL AT DENVER FEDERAL COURT

A Denver day laborer from Gambia is on trial at U.S. District Court here on charges he tortured planners of a failed coup in the African nation two decades ago. Michael Sang Correa, a former member of Gambia's military, is being tried under the U.S. Torture Act of 1994. A Justice Department lawyer told jurors: "The victims have not forgotten his cruelty.”

CAR CRASHES INTO HOUSE ON CARONA STREET; 1 HURT

A car crashed into a house on South Carona Street near West Louisiana Avenue, injuring one person Thursday, the Denver Fire Department said.

POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN ATTACK NEAR COLFAX AND UNITA

Denver police sought a suspect Thursday in a stabbing in the vicinity of Colfax Avenue and Unita Street. One person was injured in the attack.

TWO WOMEN HURT IN IVY STREET STABBING

Two women were injured Thursday in a stabbing in the 400-block of South Ivy Street in Denver, police said.

KILLER RELEASED FROM PRISON, SENT TO SAUDI ARABIA

Naif Al-Yousif, a Saudi national convicted of killing a Denver college student, has been released from prison after 20 years and returned to his home country, ICE said Thursday.

BICYCLIST DEAD IN CRASH AT 10TH AND COLORADO

A bicyclist died Thursday in a collision with a vehicle at 10th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, police said.      

CRIME STOPPERS: HE'S WANTED IN STABBING NEAR COLFAX AND COLORADO

A person was injured in an April 6 stabbing in the vicinity of East Colfax Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver. This is the suspect. Do you recognize him?

ARREST IN FEDERAL BLVD. SHOOTING

Denver police arrested a suspect in a March 10 shooting that injured a man in the 2600-block of North Federal Boulevard. They identified the suspect as Devon Johnson, 30, and said he was held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder. Police said the shooting was apparently tied to a "prior dispute." The April 8 arrest involved the Denver SWAT unit.

VESTED INTEREST IN DENVER K-9 DEPUTY

Photo: Denver Sheriff
A charity supplied a bullet and stab protective vest for "K9 Boomer" of the Denver Sheriff's Department. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) charity, has supplied thousand of vests valued at $6.9 million to law enforcement K9s across the 50 states.

FREAK ACCIDENT HALTS "E "LINE

An RTD light rail train - running between Denver Union Station and Lone Tree on the "E" Line - struck a car that plunged off a highway and landed on the tracks. The driver of the car died. Tuesday's freak accident near Lone Tree's Lincoln Station shut down the "E" Line. 

CRIME STOPPERS: HIGH STREET HOMICIDE

 

MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT!

Denver officials confirmed a case of measles in an infant who was too young to be vaccinated - and issued an alert.

Denver Health said on social media: "People who visited the Denver Health Emergency Department (777 Bannock St. Pavilion A, Denver, 80204) on April 6 between 10:30am-4:30pm may have been exposed to positive measles case & should monitor themselves for symptoms." The infant had returned from a trip to Mexico when it took ill, this year's first reported case of measles in Denver. "Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes," the city health department warns. "The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours."

'HANDS OFF!' THE PEOPLE'S COUNTRY, DENVER MARCHERS DEMAND

Photo: Colorado Newsline
About 8,000 people rallied at the Colorado Capitol on April 5 as part of the nationwide Hands Off! protests against the Trump administration, Colorado Newsline reports. “This is our country, the people’s country,” marcher Jenett Tillotson said. “It’s not the billionaires’ country, it’s not Trump’s country. It’s not even Democrats or Republicans’. It’s the people’s.”

SHOOTING AT 1ST AND SANTA FE

A person was shot Sunday in the vicinity of First Avenue and Santa Fe Drive in Denver, police said.

STABBING NEAR COLFAX AND COLORADO

A person was stabbed Sunday near East Colfax Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver and taken to hospital, police said.

IGNORE THE QUACKS; GET THE FACTS

It's not "just a rash." Measles is contagious and potentially deadly. Little kids younger than 5 face great risk. "If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected," Denver public health officials warn. "About 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who get sick with measles will require hospitalization." Be advised.

MOB TOWN: 'SKIP' LAGUARDIA & 'RALPHIE PIZZAZ'

LaGuardia

Denver tavern manager, University of Colorado football lineman and reputed Smaldone crime family associate John "Skip" LaGuardia was killed by a shotgun blast outside his home in Lakewood on July 20, 1973.

The murder is unsolved.

LaGuardia, 30, active in Denver gambling and bookmaking circles since at least the 1960s, was also bludgeoned. The assailant or assailants were hiding in bushes on West 27th Place. He arrived home at about 1 a.m.

Police recovered a handgun but not the shotgun.

There was speculation, at the time, that LaGuardia had become too ambitious for the likes of the Smaldone gang. He also had a criminal record, including gambling and extortion and loan-sharking  charges.

LaGuardia, who stood at 6-feet, is listed on the 1962 roster of University of Colorado Buffaloes as a redshirt offensive guard. He attended Mt. Carmel High School in Denver. LaGuardia is buried at a Catholic cemetery in Wheat Ridge.

Less than a year later, on or about Jan. 28, 1974, LaGuardia's friend Ralph "Ralphie Pizzazz" Pizzalato, 30, was shot dead. His body was found inside a car at LaGuardia's Alpine Inn tavern at 3551 Tejon St. in Denver.

Pizzalato had a criminal record, including a grocery store holdup in 1962.

His murder is also unsolved. 

Pizzalato

KILLER GETS 42 YEARS AFTER FLEEING TO MEXICO

Photo: Denver DA
After spending six years in hiding including refuge in Mexico, Jesus Jurado-Lugo has been sentenced to 42 years in prison for second-degree murder, the Denver DA said. Jurado-Lugo, 26, will also serve 12 years for first-degree assault, with the sentences running concurrently. Jurado-Lugo was convicted of fatally shooting Lydia Coronado in Southwest Denver and wounding Gilberto Cedillo on July 16, 2017, the DA said. He was arrested in Mexico in August 2023 and extradited to Denver four month later. Denver police detectives worked with federal authorities to track him down. "No matter how long it takes, violent criminals in Denver will be arrested and prosecuted," DA John Walsh said after the killer pleaded guilty in January. 

WOMAN SENTENCED FOR EAST DENVER TEEN SLAYING

Photo: Metro Denver Crime Stoppers

Ashlye Handy, 36, has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for killing a teenager, the Denver DA said. A jury convicted her of second-degree murder on Jan. 14 in the shooting death of Abrehem Yohhanes, 16, in an east Denver apartment building in September 2021. DA John Walsh said the slaying was "was a terrible, senseless tragedy: A young man, just 16 years old, killed with nearly his entire life in front of him. Ms. Handy will pay a heavy price for her awful actions."

TRANSIT POLICE CALLS DOWN 52% AS RTD STEPS UP PATROLS

Photo: RTD

RTD's efforts to expand its transit police force and step up patrols of buses, light rail and commuter trains are paying off.

Security-related calls dropped 52% from a year earlier to 2,134 during February.

"Similar month-over-month decreases have been observed going back to July 2024, shortly after RTD implemented 24/7 patrols and gained momentum in recruiting additional police officers," the transit authority.  

RTD's acting police chief, Steve Martingano, said: "“We’re enforcing the Customer Code of Conduct, conducting fare sweeps, and maintaining a regular presence."

BRAVE STEP TOWARD HEALING

"If you're feeling sad, lonely or depressed, reach out to someone," the Denver Department of Health and Environment advises. "Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards healing." It's free and confidential.

MAYOR MIKE PLEDGES SAFER DOWNTOWN

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is pledging a safer downtown as the rebuilt 16th Street Mall opens in the aftermath of a post-pandemic crimewave and fentanyl crisis.

"We're taking big steps to make Downtown Denver the safest and most welcoming in the country," Johnston said on social media. "More patrols, mounted officers and mental health support will ensure everyone feels safe—whether you're down here for Opening Day or the newly renovated 16th Street," the mayor said.

CRIME STOPPERS: WANTED IN MARCH 20 HOMICIDE

 

NAB ESCAPEE AT EAST COLFAX AND CHERRY

Photo: US Marshals Service
Geilond Vido-Romero, a suspected associate of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, was arrested on a bus at East Colfax Avenue and Cherry Street in Denver following a March 18 escape from the ICE detention facility in Aurora, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Video-Romero was taken into custody Tuesday. Another escaped ICE detainee, Joel Gonzalez, was arrested on March 21 by the Adams County Sheriff's Office.

44 YEARS FOR EAST COLFAX HOTEL SLAYING

Gregory Snell was sentenced to 44 years in prison for second-degree murder and 12 years for aggravated robbery, the Denver DA said. The sentences, delivered Tuesday, will run concurrently. On Dec. 23, 2022, Snell fatally shot Benjamin Williams, 40, at an East Colfax Avenue hotel, the DA said.

CLUCKING GOOD NEWS FOR EGG LOVERS

Photo: City of Denver
It's OK to raise chickens in Denver. Food-producing animal permits are available for $25 - and good for a lifetime for the resident of the registered address. The city allows ownership of as many as eight hens or ducks, according to the health department. Roosters, however, aren't permitted due in part of their "Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!" 

CRIME STOPPERS: NORTH DOWNING ST. HOMICIDE