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The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer.
Public Information Officer Staff:
Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer
To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].
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The men and women of the Aurora Police Department are committed to making a Aurora a safer place everyday.
DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
(February 14) On Friday, January 22, 2021, at approximately 12:34 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to a homicide on North Beeler Street and East Colfax Avenue where one adult male was found dead.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Jerome Deshun Johnson (DOB: 10/11/1986). Johnson was arrested on Friday February 12, 2021 and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Johnson has been provided with this news release.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
We continue to encourage anyone with information about this homicide to call Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where tips are anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 22, 2021) On Friday January 22, 2021, at approximately 12:34 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the southeast corner of North Beeler Street and East Colfax Avenue on multiple reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival officers located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound in a vehicle. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating to gain more information on a suspect(s) and what led up to the fatal shooting.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified, and his next-of-kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about this homicide is encouraged to call Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where tips are anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(February 2, 2021) On Sunday July 5th, 2020 at 1:45 a.m., a 31-year-old man was shot to death on East Colfax Avenue at North Beeler Street.
Today, the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Dontavious Hetzel (9/13/1992) for Accessory to 1st Degree Murder for his role in the murder on July 5th, 2020.
Dontavious was arrested by local law enforcement in Georgia yesterday and is awaiting extradition to Colorado.
We want to thank our law enforcement partners in Georgia for their work and our Major Crimes Detectives for their continued dedication to this case.
We should also mention that Master Titus Uriah Martin (4/19/2000) was arrested September of 2020 for his warrant of 1st Degree Murder.
Both booking photos are provided below.
Any additional details about this case will need to be obtained by the prosecuting office, the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
Dontavious Hetzel
Master Martin
information previously released
On Sunday July 5th, 2020 at 1:45 a.m., a 31-year-old man was shot to death on East Colfax Avenue at North Beeler Street. The identity of the deceased can be confirmed by the Adam’s County Coroner’s Office.
Today, the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing they have obtained a First-Degree Murder warrant for the arrest of Master Titus Uriah Martin born April 19th, 2000, in relation to the July 5th homicide. In an effort maintain the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation, and the subsequent prosecution, the Aurora Police Department will not be publicly releasing a photo of Master Martin at this time.
Master Martin is believed to be armed, and a danger to our community. While the Aurora Police Department continues to work tirelessly to locate and safely apprehend Master Martin, we are also hopeful he will turn himself in.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP where your tips will remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(July 5th, 2020) Early this morning at approximately 1:45 A.M., Aurora Police Officers were called to the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Beeler Street on reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived on scene, they found a 31-year-old on the ground who had been shot. The male was transported to an area hospital where, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
The victim’s identity will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and actively investigating. At this early stage in the investigation, it is unknown what led up to the incident and there is no suspect information.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call our Homicide Unit at 303.739.6077 or they can remain anonymous by contacting Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(January 14, 2021) On June 19th, 2020 a 17-year-old male was shot and killed while attending a Juneteenth celebration at Rocky Ridge Park located at 16200 E. Mississippi Ave.
This homicide investigation is still actively being investigated and we continue to ask for the publics help. The Major Crimes Homicide Unit is announcing a total reward increase of up to $7,000.00 for eligible tips being allotted from the following entities:
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000.00.
The Aurora Reward Fund is offering a reward of up to $5,000.00.
We are asking for anyone who has any information on this homicide to please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP where your tips remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(June 19, 2020) This evening at approximately 8:37 p.m. Aurora Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration being held at the Rocky Ridge Park located at 16200 East Mississippi Avenue.
Upon officer’s arrival they located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where tragically he succumbed to his injuries this evening.
His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Currently we believe this was an isolated incident between the victim and the suspect(s) no longer posing an immediate threat to the general public. No one is currently in custody, but investigators are working diligently to identify any and all suspect(s) responsible.
This homicide is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We urge anyone with information or video about this homicide to call Agent Glenn at 303.739.6068. Alternatively, tips can be sent to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where your tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00 and you can remain anonymous.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(December 17, 2020) On Saturday March 21st at approximately 5:45p.m officers responded to a homicide at the Windsor Court Apartments located in the 10900 block of East 16th Avenue in Northwest Aurora.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Octavius Demond Styles (09/04/1995), please note this is the correct spelling of his name and corrected date of birth from previous releases.
Styles was arrested in Hollywood, Florida on an active Homicide warrant issued by the 17th Judicial District. At this time, Styles is still in the custody of the Broward County Sheriff's Office until he is extradited to Colorado.
The attached booking photo courtesy of the Broward County Sheriff's Office and can also be found online at https://apps.sheriff.org/ArrestSearch/InmateDetail/132001427.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(June 15, 2020) On Saturday, March 21st, 2020, at approximately 5:45 P.M, District 1 Patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Windsor Court Apartments, which are located in the 10900 block of East 16th Avenue in Northwest Aurora.
Through our investigation, we have identified Octavius Demond Styles (09/04/1995) as the suspect. Octavis is described as 5’10”, 175lbs, with multiple tattoos to include distinctive tattoos on his neck (pictured below). Octavis currently has a warrant for First Degree Murder.
We are currently searching for Octavis and we are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to please call 911 or reaching out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on March 21st, 2020
On Saturday March the 21st at approximately 5:45p.m, District 1 Patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Windsor Court Apartments, which are located in the 10900 block of East 16th Avenue in Northwest Aurora.
Upon arrival officers located an adult male in an apartment who had been shot. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumb to his injuries.
This case is still an active investigation and at this time there is no additional information to share. Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no danger to the general public.
The name of the victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about his case is asked to call Agent Prince with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6127. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using crime stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(November 17) On November 16, 2020 shortly after noon, the Aurora Police Department arrested Romeo Desean Thompson DOB: 03/25/2001, for the November 16th homicide at East Yale Avenue and East Brown Drive. Thompson, as shown in the attached Aurora police booking photo, has been charged with the following:
18-3-102(1)(a) Murder in The First Degree
18-12-108(1) Possession of Weapons by A Previous Offender
Prosecution will be conducted by the 18th District Judicial District Attorney’s Office. No further information will be released at this time, and all additional media inquiries should be directed to the prosecuting office.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(November 16) On Monday, November 16th, 2020, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to East Yale Ave and East Brown Drive on reports of a shooting.
Officer's arrived and located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital where he has since succumbed to his injuries.
The identity of the male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified, and his respective next of kin has been notified.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating. Initial information is that this started as a possible road-rage incident. A person of interest has been identified in this case. Investigators are very early in their investigation which includes interviewing numerous witnesses and processing the physical evidence on scene. At this time, no one has been charged in this incident.
Any witnesses to this incident are encouraged to call our Homicide Unit at 303.739.6077 or they can remain anonymous by contacting Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(August 18, 2020) UPDATE: On August 17, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Aurora Police officers responded to a stabbing at 1635 South Mobile Street where tragically a man lost his life.
Since then, the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit has continued investigation and are announcing the arrest of Craig James Kilgore Junior DOB 4-21-94. Kilgore was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder on August 17th, 2020 in the afternoon. Included with this updated press release is the Aurora Police Department booking photo of Mr. Kilgore.
The 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office will be the prosecuting, and all additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.432.5095
(August 17, 2020) This afternoon at 4:39 p.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to a reported stabbing at 1635 South Mobile Street.
Upon officer’s arrival they located one adult male suffering from apparent knife wounds and was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
All involved parties have been identified, and there is no threat to the community. It is not yet known what occurred that led up to the fatal stabbing.
The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified, and his next of kin have been notified.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating this as a Homicide.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call our Homicide Unit at 303.739.6077 or they can remain anonymous by contacting Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(February 6, 2020) - On January 28, 2019, the Force Review board (FRB) convened to review the Elijah McClain critical incident in accordance with directive 3.3.7. The Force Review Board (FRB) consists of a body of sworn officers that reviews incidents involving an officer’s use of any weapon to overcome a subject’s resistance, or when a subject is injured by an officer’s application of force which requires medical treatment. Additionally, the FRB can convene to review any incidents deemed necessary by the Aurora Police Department Executive staff. The FRB reviews these cases for compliance with applicable state statues and department directives, as well as any training deficiencies.
Based on all the available information the FRB concluded that the officers were called to the area to investigate a suspicious person. Officers had a lawful reason to contact Mr. McClain. The force applied during the altercation to include the carotid control hold and the force applied during the altercation was within policy and consistent with training.
“The loss of Mr. McClain’s life is tragic, and we continue to offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.“ -Chief Vanessa Wilson
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Update to Elijah McClain Critical Incident Press Conference
On November 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny. The press conference began with a 911 call, and followed by body worn camera footage of the incident involving Elijah McClain that occurred on the night of August 24, 2019.
After the video Aurora Police Chief Metz and Aurora Fire Deputy Chief McInerny addressed the police and paramedic actions during the event. They offered their heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mr. McClain, and acknowledged the impact on Mr. McClain's family, our community, and the involved officers that evening.
Body worn camera video, the APD Integration Program, a Joint Press Release from APD and AFR, an AFR press release, AFR Ketamine Protocols, the transcript of the 911 call, the Office of the Coroner, Adams and Broomfield Counties Autopsy report for Mr. McClain, APD Directive 5.08 Less Lethal Devices, Weapons and Techniques, APD Carotid Control Hold Vs. Chokehold Comparison presentation and SB 15-219 can be found among the following links:
Press Conference Packet
BWC video
November 22, 2019 Press Conference
911 Call
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
PRESS CONFERENCE: Update on Elijah McClain Critical Incident
WHAT: Press Conference Addressing the Elijah McClain Critical Incident
WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO
WHO: Chief of Police, Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny
CONTACT: Officer Tony Camacho, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095
Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny will be providing updates and answering questions on the August 24th Critical Incident involving Elijah McClain.
The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 6:30 P.M. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters. Please call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will then escort you into the building.
Members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 22, 2019 by 6:00 P.M.
Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
UPDATE: We fully understand the need for transparency throughout this entire investigation and we can appreciate the seriousness of this matter. Last week, at the invitation of the Chief of Police, members of Mr. McClain’s family heard the 911 call and viewed body worn camera videos from this incident. We continue to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. McClain’s family and friends during this very difficult time.
From the beginning, Chief Metz ordered an investigation at the level consistent with officer-involved shootings pursuant to Senate Bill 15-219 by having a multi-agency team comprised of members from the Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. That investigation continues.
On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a 911 call where the called described a “suspicious person”. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms at the caller.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male still wearing a ski mask, later identified as Elijah McClain. The male began to resist the officer contact, a struggle then ensued, and he was taken into custody. Aurora Fire Rescue administered a standard medication to reduce Mr. McClain’s agitation. He was then transported to a local hospital where tragically he died days later.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office report is not yet completed and is a key component to providing much needed information to this investigation. Once their report is finished, the Coroner’s Office will be the ones who release those results. It will be included in the case that is then presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.
No further comment will be provided by the Aurora Police Department to protect the integrity of the investigation and review by the District Attorney’s office.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on 08/26/2019:
On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a “suspicious person” call. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms at the caller.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male wearing a ski mask. The male would not stop walking down the street from the officer. The male resisted contact, a struggle ensued, and he was taken into custody. Due to the level of physical force applied while restraining the subject and his agitated mental state, officers requested Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) and Falck Ambulance respond to render professional medical attention.
According to AFR, consistent with their accepted protocol, a standard medication routinely utilized to reduce agitation was administered and reduced the exhibited anxiety. Several minutes later during the transport to the hospital the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and lifesaving measures were initiated. He regained a pulse and is currently being treated at a local hospital.
The Aurora PD Victim Services Unit assisted in locating the family and taking them to the hospital. They are providing support as the investigation continues.
During this event, officers were using their issued body worn cameras. Because of the critical nature of this incident, it is being investigated by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and members of the Denver Police Department to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the events of that night.
The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene that evening and will review the investigation when it is completed.
We are asking anyone with information about this case to please contact Agent M. Ingui at 303-739-6067.
On Monday January 27, 2020, at approximately 9:20 a.m., Aurora police officers responded to 641 North Potomac Street on a reported shooting which left one woman dead.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office issued a press release on January 28, 2020 identifying the woman as Mae Rose Garth DOB 5/14/52.
The Major Crimes Homicide Unit agents arrested Tyrone Garth DOB 1/4/79 at the scene, and charged him with Colorado Revised Statue 18-3-102 Murder in the first degree. Tyrone is the son of Mae Rose.
An Aurora Police Department booking photo of Tyrone has been included with this updated press release.
This homicide will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and we ask any additional media inquiries related to this investigation be directed to their office.
We continue to urge anyone who may be a witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police Agent Krieger at 303-739-6113.
Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
*Name corrected to Tyrone from Tyron on 1/29/20.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
information previously released on January 27, 2020:
(January 27, 2020) On Monday, January 27, 2020, at approximately 09:20 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded 641 North Potomac Street on a reported shooting.
Upon officer’s arrival they located an adult female inside of an apartment with a gunshot wound. The female was transported to an area hospital where she has been pronounced deceased. Positive identification of the victim will be done by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
After arriving on scene, officers contacted a person of interest who has been detained and transported to our Major Crimes/Homicide Unit for questioning. We do know that the victim and person of interest are related but their exact relationship is not being released at this time. This investigation is still very active and ongoing and there is no threat to the community.
We ask anyone who may be a witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police Agent Krieger at 303-739-6113.
Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(January 26, 2020) UPDATE: On Saturday January 25th, 2020, at approximately 8:54 p.m., Denver police officers were pursuing an armed robbery suspect in a vehicle which led them into the City of Aurora.
The armed robbery suspect, an adult male, was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries later in the evening on January 25th, 2020. The identity of the male will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office pending positive identification, and notification of his next-of-kin.
An adult female and juvenile male were also occupants of the suspect vehicles. The adult female has been arrested and charged with at least Aggravated Robbery. Her identify will not be released at this time to not impede early investigative efforts.
The juvenile male was the third and final occupant of the suspect vehicles. The juvenile male was arrested on unrelated active criminal warrants, and charges are pending against in him related to this investigation. No further information will be released on him due to him being a juvenile.
Any further requests for information related to the involved Denver police officers or their actions should be directed to the Denver Police Department Public Affairs Office.
In accordance with Senate Bill 15-219 members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department, and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting. Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a criminal culpability review.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the events leading up to and after the officer-involved shooting to contact Agent Graw at 303.739.6213.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
information previously released on January 25, 2020:
(January 25, 2020) On Saturday January 25th, 2020, at approximately 8:54 p.m., Denver police officers were pursuing an armed robbery suspect in a vehicle which led them into the City of Aurora.
The suspects vehicle crashed into at least two cars on Interstate 225 (I-225) and East Colfax Avenue. The suspect then carjacked a silver sedan and fled the scene continuing to travel east on East Colfax Avenue to Airport Boulevard. The suspect vehicle then drove north in the southbound lanes on Airport Boulevard.
In the 2400 block of East Airport Boulevard Denver Police Officers may have attempted a pursuit intervention technique, or P.I.T. maneuver, which successfully disabled the silver sedan. The suspect, and two other occupants, fled on foot and unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a nearby silver minivan.
Finally, the suspect carjacked a nearby maroon SUV, but Denver police officers were able to stop and pin that SUV. During this final encounter with the suspect a Denver police officer made the decision to discharge their weapon striking the suspect.
The suspect, an adult male, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
During a subsequent search of the carjacked maroon SUV, a handgun was found and collected for evidence.
This incident will cause traffic closures in the 2400 block of Airport Boulevard for several hours while officers continue to investigate this complex scene.
The involved Denver police officer(s) nor any members of the public were injured as a result of this incident. Any further requests for information related to the involved Denver police officers should be directed to the Denver Police Department Public Affairs Office.
In accordance with Senate Bill 15-219 members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department, and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting. Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a criminal culpability review.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the events leading up to and after the officer-involved shooting to contact Agent Graw at 303.739.6213.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On October 24th, 1996, at about 0800 hours, Aurora police officers and homicide detectives were dispatched to the alley in the 1200 block of Iola Street. They discovered the body of twenty-five-year-old Tangie Sims. Her body had been dumped at the location after she was violently assaulted and stabbed to death. The initial investigation revealed Sims was last seen walking to a semi-truck. In addition, it was determined the suspect had cut himself during the murder and had left drops of blood at the scene. Samples of the suspect’s blood were recovered.
Unfortunately, the case went cold and remained that way for a lengthy period of time. Current MCHU Detectives Steve Conner and Michael Prince continued to work this case for the family of the victim. They never quit following up on leads and revisiting the case file. They knew the best chance of solving this homicide would be through the recovered blood left by the suspect and the incredible advancements that had been made in DNA analysis.
In 2019 advancements in DNA, specifically genealogical research, lead to a break in the case. United Data Connect, Inc. through the excellent forensic work a genealogist produced a possible suspect by comparing the blood sample to known DNA from a relative. Detectives Conner and Prince immediately began following up on this information. The leads took them to North Dakota and Idaho where they located a member of the suspect’s immediate family. The family member was cooperative and provided a DNA sample to the detectives.
United Data Connect, Inc. was able to positively identify Wesley Backman DOB 04/12/1955 as the suspect in this horrible crime. Detectives learned that Backman had passed away in 2008. The detectives discovered Backman had been an over the road truck driver and had lived in many different locations throughout the United States to include Aurora, CO.
The excellent work done by the original investigators, the incredible determination of Detectives Conner and Prince, as well as the amazing work done by United Data Connect, Inc. allowed the family of Sims to finally obtain some solace and closure. The costs of this investigation were provided by Crime Stoppers which continues to provide invaluable assistance with criminal investigations.
Detectives Conner and Prince continue to work with other police agencies across the country to determine if Backman was responsible for additional unsolved homicides.
Aurora Police Department
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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