Category: Cases

Fresh Start Clear your active warrant without being arrested.

First Judicial District hosting another Fresh Start warrant event

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 23, 2024) – District Attorney Alexis King is pleased to announce that the First Judicial District is hosting another Fresh Start warrant event at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility in Golden on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People with active warrants for non-violent, low-level offenses in Gilpin or Jefferson counties will once again have an opportunity to either resolve their case or set a new court date.
May 23, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 23, 2024) – District Attorney Alexis King is pleased to announce that the First Judicial District is hosting another Fresh Start warrant event at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility in Golden on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People with active warrants for non-violent, low-level offenses in Gilpin or Jefferson counties will once again have an opportunity to either resolve their case or set a new court date.

This event offers relief to individuals looking for a fresh start who are tired of living in fear of arrest and ready to move toward a resolution in their case. Additionally, by reducing the number of low-level warrants, we ensure that law enforcement, the judiciary, and taxpayer resources can focus on addressing cases that pose a community safety risk.

The First Judicial District has successfully hosted five events since 2021, resolving a total of about 340 warrants to date. These efforts have not only brought relief to many but also saved thousands of taxpayer dollars. It’s worth mentioning that all attorneys and court staff generously volunteer their time on the weekend to support this initiative.

This event is possible thanks to the collaborative effort between the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, the First Judicial District Courts, First Judicial District Probation Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Justice Services, and C3.  

While the majority of eligible warrants are for non-violent misdemeanors or traffic cases, eligibility may extend to individuals with non-violent, low-level felonies that have been reclassified as misdemeanors and some low-level felony drug and property offenses.

As always, the event excludes people charged or convicted of an offense under the Victim Rights Act – such as assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, or domestic violence. In addition, people with weapons offenses and those with second or subsequent cases involving driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired are not eligible for the event.  

Public defenders will again be available to review eligibility and provide legal consultation to qualifying defendants at no cost. To check eligibility for probation violation cases, individuals should email [email protected], and for all other cases, email [email protected]. The event does not require an appointment to be made in advance.

Several community partners – including the Community Connections Center (C3), Benefits in Action, Hazelbrook Sober Living, Bayaud Enterprises, Ke’nekt, Front Range Clinic, Master’s Apprentice, and Behavioral Treatment Services – will also be on-site to provide information and resources.

Please visit Fresh Start | Jefferson County, CO (jeffco.us) for more information.

Eugene “Gene” Gillespie in orange jumpsuit, looking down

Caretaker of Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults Sentenced

GOLDEN, Colo. (May. 15, 2024) – Eugene “Gene” Gillespie was sentenced Tuesday by the First Judicial District Court to 8 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting two Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) adults. Gillespie had been employed as a volunteer caregiver to individuals with disabilities since 1992 and has interacted with this vulnerable community across the metro area in at least three different volunteer programs.
May 15, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (May. 15, 2024) – Eugene “Gene” Gillespie was sentenced Tuesday by the First Judicial District Court to 8 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting two Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) adults. Gillespie had been employed as a volunteer caregiver to individuals with disabilities since 1992 and has interacted with this vulnerable community across the metro area in at least three different volunteer programs.

As part of Gillespie’s plea in February of this year, the Defendant admitted to sexually assaulting one victim multiple times in approximately 2013 while on overnight trips and day visits. The Defendant also admitted to sexually assaulting a second victim multiple times from 2022-2023 in the program’s vehicles and inside their facility.

On Feb. 9, 2024, Gillespie pleaded guilty to:

Amended Count One: SEXUAL ASSAULT – AT-RISK PERSON – Section 18-6.5-103(7)(a); 18-3-402(1)(b), C.R.S. (F2) (naming both victims)

The remaining counts were dismissed as a result of his plea. Gillespie faced a potential penalty that ranged from work release or probation to community corrections or up to 24 years to life in prison.

Across the State of Colorado, there are dozens of day programs designed for adults with disabilities to live fruitful, social, and fulfilling lives- from organizing large events to daily activities such as movies or parks. The programs rely on volunteers or minimum-wage workers to drive, supervise, and spend time with adult clients. Prosecutors argued that for over 30 years, Gillespie was one of these volunteers who availed himself of opportunities to spend one-on-one time with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

At sentencing, prosecutors advocated for a lengthy prison sentence, arguing that Gillespie had a history of grooming and predatory behavior, “The People feel that it is critical for the Court to be aware of the magnitude of the opportunity of abuse and the complete shattering of trust that his actions have had on the victims, their families, and the IDD community at large,” said Deputy District Attorney Sarah Masterson. “Gillespie was deeply entwined in the IDD community, always in a significant position of trust, where he created an environment where he was trusted and relied on and was needed, and then, as he begins to sexually assault them, he creates fear and separation from their family and loved ones and makes them feel like they’re trapped,” said Masterson.

Two victims stated in their letters to the Court that for so long, they were too scared to tell anyone what was happening to them. One victim said, “He scared me into not telling anyone…” “He told me that if I tell anyone, we’d both be in trouble.” “Please put him in prison so he can’t keep hurting people,” they said. 

Prosecutors also noted that while Gillespie was out on bond in this case, the People received numerous calls from volunteers and community members that Gillespie attended a bowling event with individuals with disabilities. “It’s extremely concerning that Gillespie was surrounding himself with vulnerable adults that he was able to manipulate and prey on even while on pretrial services in this case,” said Masterson.  

Gillespie also addressed the court; “I am a monster,” he said. “I’ve hurt so many people.” Gillespie indicated to the court that he was hoping for community corrections so he could get the “intense therapy” he needed.

District Court Judge Diego Hunt, in his ruling, highlighted Mr. Gillespie’s “explicit grooming” of these individuals for the purpose of assaulting them not once but in several incidents over the course of years. Despite recognizing several mitigating factors like Gillespie’s advanced age, poor health, and lack of criminal history, the Court deemed prison appropriate given the severity of the conduct “and the amount of time Mr. Gillespie victimized these two individuals.”

Statement from Deputy District Attorney Sarah Masterson:

“Our brave victims raised their voices against someone in a position of trust, and we are deeply grateful for their faith in us. We also thank the Arvada Police Department for their thorough investigation and our Investigator from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office for her unwavering commitment to this case and the IDD adult community at large; their work was instrumental in attaining a measure of justice.

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Ariel view of Jeffco courthouse

Nicholas Karol-Chik pleads guilty in rock-throwing attacks

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 15, 2024) – Nicholas James Karol-Chik pled guilty this morning to a series of rock-throwing attacks between Feb. 25, 2023 and Apr. 19, 2023. As a result of his plea and cooperation, he will face a minimum of 35 years and up to 72 years in prison.
May 15, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 15, 2024) – Nicholas James Karol-Chik pled guilty this morning to a series of rock-throwing attacks between Feb. 25, 2023 and Apr. 19, 2023. As a result of his plea and cooperation, he will face a minimum of 35 years and up to 72 years in prison.

Karol-Chik pled guilty to the following added charges:

Added Count 16: Murder In the Second Degree – Section 18-3-103(1)(a), C.R.S. (F2) (Naming Alexa Bartell)

Added Count 17: Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder In The First Degree -Section 18-3-102(1)(d);18-2-101, C.R.S. (F2) (Naming nine victims between 02/25/2023 and 04/19/2023)

Added Count 18: Crime of Violence Section 18-1.3-406(2)(a)(I)(B), C.R.S. (SE) (Naming Alexa Bartell)

The original counts (1-15) were dismissed as a result of the plea. Karol-Chik is scheduled to be sentenced on Sep. 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. or after the resolution of 23CR1034 and 23CR1035, Defendant Koenig’s and Defendant Kwak’s cases.

Defendant Karol-Chik stipulated to the following factual basis for today’s plea:   

On Feb. 25, 2023, Karol-Chik and Co-Defendant Koenig threw a rock and concrete from the truck Koenig was driving, targeting oncoming drivers. Karol-Chik threw one of the objects, and Koenig threw one of the objects. 

On Apr. 1, 2023, while Karol-Chik was driving, Koenig threw a statue head at an oncoming driver.

On Apr. 19, 2023, Karol-Chik, Koenig, and Kwak threw landscaping rocks from Karol-Chik’s moving Chevrolet Silverado, targeting drivers of oncoming moving vehicles.  They caused damage to all seven vehicles they struck, caused injury to three drivers, and killed Alexa Bartell.  Specifically, Karol-Chik, who was in the front passenger’s seat, provided Koenig, who was driving, the large landscaping rock that Koenig threw at Alexa Bartell, causing her death. 

Regarding all of these incidents, Defendant Karol-Chik knowingly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death, under circumstances evidencing an attitude of universal malice manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.

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Zachary Hiestand Kwak in orange jumpsuit

Zachary Kwak pleads guilty in rock-throwing attacks

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 10, 2024) – Zachary Hiestand Kwak pled guilty this morning for the rock-throwing attacks on the night of April 19, 2023. As a result of his plea and cooperation, he will face 20-32 years in prison.
May 10, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 10, 2024) – Zachary Hiestand Kwak (DOB: 3/18/2005) pled guilty this morning for the rock-throwing attacks on the night of April 19, 2023. As a result of his plea and cooperation, he will face 20-32 years in prison.

On Apr. 19, 2023, between the hours of approximately 10:00 pm and 10:45 pm, seven vehicles were hit by rocks in Jefferson and Boulder Counties. Tragically, Alexa Bartell lost her life, and three others were injured. As part of today’s plea, Kwak agreed that with regard to the death of Bartell, the defendant acted knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, by engaging in conduct which created a grave risk of death.

Kwak pled to the following added charges:

Count 14: ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE- Section 18-3-202(1)(c), C.R.S. (F3) (naming Alexa Bartell)

Count 15: ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE – Section 18-3-203(1)(b), C.R.S. (F4) (naming 3 victims with injuries from 4/19/23)

Count 16: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE – Section 18-3-203(1)(b);18-2-101, C.R.S. (F5) (naming remaining 3 victims from 4/19/23)

The original charges were dismissed as a result of the plea. Kwak is scheduled to be sentenced on Sep. 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. or at the conclusion of co-defendant trials.

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Catherine “Kate” Hackim in front of a rocky creek

Dealer Sentenced in Fentanyl Death

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 9, 2024) – Brock Troy Nieuwendorp was sentenced yesterday to 26 years in the Department of Corrections for distributing fentanyl that killed twenty-five-year-old Catherine “Kate” Hackim on April 29, 2023. Nieuwendorp pleaded guilty earlier this year to Distribution Resulting in Death, and as a result of his plea, he faced 8-32 years in prison.
May 9, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 9, 2024) – Brock Troy Nieuwendorp was sentenced yesterday to 26 years in the Department of Corrections for distributing fentanyl that killed twenty-five-year-old Catherine “Kate” Hackim on April 29, 2023. Nieuwendorp pleaded guilty earlier this year to Distribution Resulting in Death, and as a result of his plea, he faced 8-32 years in prison.

In a heart-wrenching statement to the court, Hackim’s mother expressed the unbearable pain of losing a child, “There is nothing in this world that could hurt more than losing a child,” … “The best I can do is just try to survive each day.” Family and friends described Kate’s kindness, intelligence, and love for animals, while each expressed how deeply she was loved and missed. They highlighted the tragedy and shock of her death, as it was just as her life seemed to be falling into place—she was active in recovery, had fallen in love, gained employment, and was in school pursuing a neuroscience degree. “She experienced a mix of successes and failures, as many in recovery do, but she continued to fight her way forward.” Hackim’s family urged the court to impose a sentence long enough to send a loud and clear message to all individuals fueling and profiting from the fentanyl crisis.

Prosecutors argued for the maximum sentence, noting Nieuwendorp’s ten prior felony convictions, his repeated failure at community-based supervision, and his most recent Denver case, where he was arrested for possession of drugs and a firearm months after Hackim’s death. Unlike Nieuwendorp, Hackim “never fed her addiction by selling drugs; instead, her involvement in the recovery community made her a beacon of hope, serving as a role model to others who struggled as she did.”

Nieuwendorp also had a support network that spoke of the traumas he experienced throughout his life and told the court how his addiction began with a knee injury and a prescription for Oxycontin. Nieuwendorp himself later addressed the court and the victim’s family, expressing remorse and regret, “My heart hurts so deeply for my victim and her family.”

Sentencing Nieuwendorp to 26 years in prison, District Court Judge Christopher Zenisek highlighted the critical distinction between suffering from addiction and engaging in actions that actively harm others, noting that while both the victim and defendant battled addiction, “they chose to react to their addictions in starkly different ways.” The Court also emphasized Nieuwendorp’s lengthy criminal history and recent arrest, stating that the defendant’s actions were destined to cause harm to somebody, if not to Hackim, to somebody else. “Where does the addiction end, and the responsibility begin? Part of the answer is when people get hurt, and definitely when people die.”

Statement from the Hackim family:

“We’re so grateful for the care our daughter’s case received over the past year from law enforcement, the prosecution team, our victim’s advocate, and the judge. We’re still grieving the loss of our beloved Kate, but we take great comfort in knowing that the community Kate loved will be a safer place for many years to come. We hope that this case will serve as a deterrent to those individuals considering dealing or using fentanyl and will bring us one step closer to Kate’s dream of building a world that humanizes, cares for, and protects those who suffer from addiction. Kate would be proud of those who fought on her behalf and would appreciate the justice she received.”

The investigation by the Lakewood Police Department revealed text messages and Cash App records of Nieuwendorp selling small amounts of fentanyl to the victim on numerous occasions dating back to February 2023, including on the date of her death. Hackim’s cause of death was listed as accidental due to combined drug intoxication. For more details on the investigation, see the original press release here.

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K9 Graffit sitting, looking up, wearing collar and vest that says "Sheriff"

Eduardo Romero Sentenced in K9 Graffit’s Death

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 12, 2024) – Eduardo Armando Romero was given the maximum sentence today of 12 years in prison for killing Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) K-9 Graffit and other related crimes from the February 2023 incident. Romero pleaded guilty earlier this year and, as a result, faced 8-12 years in prison.
April 12, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 12, 2024) – Eduardo Armando Romero was given the maximum sentence today of 12 years in prison for killing Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) K-9 Graffit and other related crimes from the February 2023 incident. Romero pleaded guilty earlier this year and, as a result, faced 8-12 years in prison.

On Feb. 22, 2024, Romero pleaded guilty to the following charges:

COUNT 1: AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, C.R.S. 18-9-202(1.5)(b) (F6)
Sentence: 18 Months DOC
COUNT 2: IDENTITY THEFT, C.R.S. 18-5-902(1)(a) (F4)
Sentence: 12 years DOC
COUNT 3: MENACING, C.R.S. 18-3-206 (F5)
Sentence: 3 years DOC
COUNT 6: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, C.R.S. 42-4-1301(1)(a) (M)
Sentence: 1 year of jail (served in DOC)
ADDED COUNT 9: AGGRAVATED MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT IN THE SECOND DEGREE – Section 18-4-409(4)(c), C.R.S. (M1)
Sentence: 364 days in jail (served in DOC)

Romero received a total of 12 years in DOC to be served consecutively to the sentence Romero is already serving for similar crimes he committed in Denver. Counts four, five, seven, and eight were dismissed as a result of Romero’s plea.

At today’s sentencing, the resounding message was that K9 Graffit, who was the most experienced and trained dog on JCSO’s team, was not just a dog. Deputies from JCSO spoke and submitted letters describing the profound impact that Graffit’s death has had on them, detailing what he meant to each of them and to the JCSO family. “Graffit was more than just a dog. He was a friend, family member, a loved one, and most of all, he was Deputy Oliver’s partner.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Amanda Becker, who specializes in prosecuting animal-related crimes, detailed how law enforcement canines are highly skilled partners capable of tasks beyond human abilities. “They have the senses that allow us to see what we cannot see—drugs, humans, weapons—law enforcement animals have helped keep our communities safe, and they are an asset.”

Romero also faced charges related to felony ID Theft after providing a false name to police, having their passport, and using their identity to rent a motel room.

DA Becker asked for the maximum possible sentence, noting Romero’s 10 previous convictions for similar behavior, his numerous unsuccessful attempts at rehabilitation, being on bond for multiple cases at the time of the incident, and his aggravated behavior that placed law enforcement in severe danger.

DA Becker told the court that Graffit’s training and experience cost Jefferson County taxpayers over $107,000. In addition to the necropsy and damages to patrol vehicles, the People are requesting $158,455.15 in restitution.

Romero, who has remained in custody since the arrest, spoke to the court and the victims, expressing remorse for his actions on that day.

District Court Judge Jason Carrithers noted how Romero’s past showed an escalation and “complete disregard for community norms, laws, and safety” that culminated with the loss of a law enforcement member. Carrithers also noted how “incredibly scary” this incident must have been for students at the Colorado School of Mines. “The level of fear those students must have felt, I can only imagine.”

A final hearing to address restitution is set in this matter for Jul. 11 at 3pm.

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Nathan Geerdes in orange jumpsuit

Former Officer Nathan Geerdes Sentenced

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 2, 2024)—After pleading guilty earlier this year, Former officer Nathan Geerdes was sentenced to four years probation for the crimes he committed between 2019 and 2021. As a result of his convictions, Geerdes lost his POST certification and can never work in law enforcement again.
April 2, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 2, 2024)—After pleading guilty earlier this year, Former officer Nathan Geerdes was sentenced to four years probation for the crimes he committed between 2019 and 2021. As a result of his convictions, Geerdes lost his POST certification and can never work in law enforcement again.

Geerdes, a former Edgewater Police Department (EPD) sergeant and most recently an officer for the Black Hawk Police Department (BHPD), initially faced four counts of unlawful sexual contact and one count of retaliation against a witness after a year-long Grand Jury investigation led to his indictment in December 2022. The Black Hawk Police Department fired Geerdes as a result of the accusations against him. See the original press release concerning the indictment here: Press Release.

In June of 2023, based on information gathered during the investigation and a direct complaint from BHPD Chief Michelle Moriarty, Geerdes was charged with five counts of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (F4) and five counts of Forgery (F5) related to false information he provided to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Arvada Police Department, RTD Transit Police Department, Dacono Police Department, and the Black Hawk Police Department. See the original press release concerning the forgery case here: Press Release.

On Jan. 23, 2024, Geerdes pled guilty to the following:

  • ADDED COUNT 6: UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONTACT (M1)
    • Sentence: 4 years probation with sex offender treatment
  • ADDED COUNT 7: FIRST DEGREE OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT (M2)
    • Sentence: 3 days in jail with credit for time served
  • ADDED COUNT 8: FORGERY (F5)
    • Sentence: 4 years concurrent probation to count 6

As a result of his plea, Geerdes faced 1-3 years in prison for Forgery and up to 120 days in jail for First Degree Official Misconduct. For the Unlawful Sexual Contact, the parties stipulated to a deferred judgment and sentence (DJS) supervised by probation for a period of four years, in addition to special terms and conditions for the Supervision of Adult Sex Offenders. Geerdes will also be required to register as a sex offender for the duration of the four years. Further, the sex offense will not be sealable upon completion of the probationary period. Should he violate the terms of his probation, he will face up to 24 months in jail for the Unlawful Sexual Contact, and up to 3 years in prison for Forgery.

At yesterday’s sentencing, the court heard from multiple individuals, including Geerdes’ wife, friends, and colleagues, who addressed the court or wrote letters advocating for him, highlighting his work as a law enforcement officer, counselor to individuals with disabilities, and his role as a family man.

The court also heard from two of Geerdes’ former victims. A former female officer who left the Edgewater Police Department in 2014 told the court about having to resign after she reported the sexual harassment involving Geerdes and other officers. “You hunted, you preyed, you abused, and used your authority and your position to get away with what we were supposed to protect against,” further expressing regret for not coming forward when it happened. “He doesn’t deserve to wear the badge,” she told the court.

“The people’s primary concerns in this case when considering a just outcome was that the defendant should never work in law enforcement again, and he won’t; should have a felony conviction, and he does; and he ought to plead guilty to a sexual offense, and he did; however, the people assumed the defendant would have an iota of remorse, and he, unfortunately, does not,” said Deputy District Attorney Brynn Chase. “We’re not talking about “a” person who accused him of something; we’re talking about people, and we’re talking about a community that deserves to have the defendant held accountable for what he did to that community and for what he did to that badge that he no longer gets to wear by virtue of this plea.”

Geerdes did not address the court.

Before imposing his sentence, First Judicial District Judge Christopher Rhamey addressed Geerdes directly:

“Sir, you are the problem. You are the person that law enforcement talks about when they say ‘a few bad apples’… you are the one creating the circumstances that your colleagues live with on a daily basis. It’s you. You are the person that you guys sat around and talked about as people who are making life so hard for your former colleagues. You are the reason we see investigations into law enforcement… It’s the right thing that you lose your POST certification, and it’s right that you are not in law enforcement.”

Judge Rhamey accepted the terms of the plea and sentenced Geerdes to four years of probation on count eight, to be served concurrently with the four years of probation on count 6, and three days in jail with credit for three days served on count 7. He ordered restitution be paid and all terms and conditions agreed upon as part of the Supervision of Adult Sex Offenders.

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Murder victim Laila Combes

Man Sentenced for Girlfriend’s Murder

GOLDEN, Colo. (Mar. 4, 2024) – Cole Lewis was sentenced to 57 years in prison on Friday for the murder of his nineteen-year-old girlfriend, Laila Combes, in March of last year. On Jan. 16, 2024, Lewis pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second Degree, Crime of Violence. As a result of the plea, the parties stipulated to a sentencing range of 55-64 years in prison.
March 4, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (Mar. 4, 2024) – Cole Lewis (DOB 10-3-2001) was sentenced to 57 years in prison on Friday for the murder of his nineteen-year-old girlfriend, Laila Combes, in March of last year. On Jan. 16, 2024, Lewis pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second Degree, Crime of Violence.  As a result of the plea, the parties stipulated to a sentencing range of 55-64 years in prison.

At sentencing, it required two courtrooms to accommodate Laila’s friends and family who were donned in yellow shirts featuring her photo. During an emotionally charged afternoon, one by one, Laila’s loved ones described her as a remarkable young woman with a promising future – a shining example of love and kindness whose positivity and warmth impacted countless lives. Urging the judge to impose the maximum 64-year sentence, both parents expressed the profound loss caused by a preventable tragedy. Still, Laila’s mother emphasized Laila’s forgiving nature, stating, “Laila would want us all to move forward.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Chandler Grant described what led to Laila’s death as two young people who were in a tumultuous relationship, which culminated in the victim asking Lewis for space and him reacting with rage. Grant recognized Lewis’ young age but stressed that the brutal and violent nature of Laila’s death warranted the maximum sentence. “Stopping someone’s ability to breathe for extended periods is intimate and calculated,” said Grant. Further arguing that after he strangled her, instead of calling 911 or attempting to save her life, in a final act of violence, he ruthlessly stabbed her in the neck. Grant argued, “This was a killing done with a purpose, a killing done with rage.”

In his decision, Judge Ryan Loewer noted “the senseless brutality” and unneeded loss of life while acknowledging the young age of the defendant. The judge ultimately sentenced Lewis to 48 years on count four (Murder in the Second Degree) and nine years on count five (Assault in the Second Degree), to be served consecutively, for a total of 57 years in prison. 

Factual Summary:

In the afternoon of Mar. 31, 2023, Agents from the Lakewood Police Department responded to a welfare check on a vehicle parked outside the Panera Bread restaurant at 14740 W Colfax Ave. The car was severely damaged and inoperable and had what appeared to be two occupants inside covered in blankets. The responding Agent ultimately uncovered a gruesome scene inside the car and discovered that underneath one of the blankets was the deceased body of nineteen-year-old Laila Combes. Lewis told police they had gotten into a “huge fight.” Lewis was placed in custody and taken for questioning.  

Lewis later told police that he and Combes were both working at the Garbanzo’s restaurant near the Colorado Mills Mall and after their shift on Mar. 30, 2023, Lewis drove Combes home. During the drive, Combes reportedly told Lewis she wanted to be in an “open relationship,” which was very upsetting to Lewis. Lewis dropped Combes off and returned to Garbanzos. Lewis admitted he was upset over the news and began drinking tequila while he was working. Lewis also told police he was cutting his forearm at work, which prompted his coworkers to close the restaurant early that night. However, Lewis simply returned to his vehicle and continued to drink.

At about 11:00 pm, Lewis drove back to Combes’ apartment so they could talk. According to Lewis, while in the apartment parking lot, he broke the tequila bottle into pieces, retrieved the top part of the broken bottle, and brought it back to his car. Lewis admitted he was angry at Combes for wanting to date other men and was experiencing “blinding rage,” and he “blacked out.”

Lewis told police he remembered he was driving, and at one point, Combes jerked the wheel, and they crashed into a tree. Lewis said the car was severely damaged, but he was able to drive it back to the Garbanzos parking lot. Lewis admitted to police that at some point, he remembered strangling Combes and that afterward, she was breathing “weird,” so he cut her neck with the broken tequila bottle.

The autopsy later revealed additional stab wounds on the face, neck and chest. Lewis has remained in custody since his arrest.

Resources:

Safe2Tell Colorado: Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family, or your community. We take your reports any time, any day. You have the power to make a difference. Report online or by phone: 877-542-7233.

Colorado Crisis Services:  

Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or Text “TALK” to 38255. CCS is a 24/7/365 support line for anyone affected by a mental health, substance use or emotional crisis. All calls are connected to a mental health professional, who will provide immediate support and connections to further resources.

 If you are being abused or know someone who is, please visit Violence Free Colorado to find the domestic violence program nearest you. Anyone in crisis or in need of immediate help, dial 911 or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787−3224.

Kerry Endsley in orange jumpsuit

Man Sentenced for Kidnapping Hikers at Gunpoint in Fehringer Ranch Park

GOLDEN, Colo. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Kerry Endsley was sentenced to 35 years in prison today for kidnapping two hikers at gunpoint and holding them hostage in the summer of 2022. Earlier this year, Endsley pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, one count of Criminal Attempt to Commit Disarming a Police Officer, and one Crime of Violence Sentencing Enhancer. He was also resentenced today regarding a prior domestic violence Harassment charge. As a result of his plea, the parties stipulated to 35 years in the Department of Corrections.
February 28, 2024

GOLDEN, Colo. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Kerry Endsley was sentenced to 35 years in prison today for kidnapping two hikers at gunpoint and holding them hostage in the summer of 2022. Earlier this year, Endsley pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, one count of Criminal Attempt to Commit Disarming a Police Officer, and one Crime of Violence Sentencing Enhancer. He was also resentenced today regarding a prior domestic violence Harassment charge. As a result of his plea, the parties stipulated to 35 years in the Department of Corrections.

Today, nearly two years after they were held at gunpoint, the victims had the opportunity to address how Endsley’s actions have affected their lives. The female victim, who was previously acquainted with Endsley and does not wish to be named, explained the constant fear and anxiety she has dealt with since that day. She has since relocated her family to another state and started over. In her letter to the court, she stated, “I hope that I can be a strong voice to create more awareness and hope for others while they face their fears and navigate through their recovery and trauma experiences.” The victim went on to thank the hiker who witnessed the entire encounter and called 911; she believes it saved their lives.

On Jun. 17, 2022, during an early morning run at Fehringer Ranch Park, the victims passed a male dressed in all blue, kneeling on the path. As they passed him, Endsley, disguised in a fake mustache and a FedEx hat and sunglasses, pulled a firearm and pointed it at them, yelling that he was going to kill them. Endsley had them get on their knees, put their heads forward, and put a dog leash around the female’s neck and then directed them at gunpoint to walk to the middle of a field, stating they would die that day.

The female, who eventually recognized Endsley by the watch he was wearing, was able to distract Endsley while her husband grabbed Endsley’s gun. The couple then ran in opposite directions as Endsley continued to threaten them.

A runner who witnessed the encounter was able to call 911 and narrate what was happening in real-time. When the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived and confronted Endsley, Endsley charged him and pulled something from his pocket, causing the Deputy to fire his duty weapon. The object pulled from Endsley’s pocket turned out to be a stun gun that he sparked behind his leg. Endsley continued to approach the Deputy, and another Deputy arrived and tased Endsley.

Upon a search, in addition to the items mentioned above, Endsley was in possession of a stun gun, pepper spray, and a key fob to his GMC Yukon Denali. The search of Endsley’s vehicle uncovered a frightening scene, with a mattress, blankets, tarps, multiple restraints, power tools/drills, leashes, collars, rope, knives, ammunition, another stun gun, duct tape, handcuff keys, a FedEx hat, a FedEx sweatshirt, a hatchet, and an extra loaded magazine.

Endsley alleged he was having a heart attack and was transported to the hospital. While there, he motioned to a Deputy as if he was struggling to get his legs onto the hospital bed and asked the Deputy for help. Endsley then lunged at him, reached for the Deputy’s gun, and punched the Deputy in the forehead.

On Jan. 22, 2024, Endsley pled guilty to one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree as a Crime of Violence (F2) and one count of Attempted Disarming of a Peace Officer (F6).  The parties stipulated to a prison sentence of 35 years with no credit for time served, which the judge imposed today.  Endsley was also resentenced for his 2021 Harassment case, and the court imposed 6 months of jail with credit for time served.

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