Category: Cases

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 3, 2023) – District Attorney Alexis King announced today that Nicholas James Karol-Chik, Joseph Edwin Koenig, and Zachary Hiestand Kwak have been charged with crimes they are accused of committing on the night of April 19, 2023, in Jefferson County.

On Apr. 19, 2023, between the hours of approximately 10:00 pm and 10:45 pm, seven vehicles were hit by rocks in a northwest section of Jefferson County. Tragically, Alexa Bartell lost her life, and three others were injured.

Karol-Chik, Koenig, and Kwak face (13) charges:

COUNT 1: MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE – EXTREME INDIFFERENCE, C.R.S. 18-3-102(1)(d) [1]

COUNTS 2-7: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-102(1)(d);18-2-101

COUNTS 8-10: ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-203(1)(b)

COUNTS 11-13: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-203(1)(b);18-2-101

Statement from District Attorney Alexis King:

“We thank the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and the community for their commitment to identifying the suspects. Based on the available facts and after careful legal analysis, we have filed charges and will now move forward with a criminal prosecution. It is important to remember that these individuals are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. As in every case, our goal is to seek justice.”

Karol-Chik, Koenig, and Kwak are being held without bond. They will appear this afternoon at 1 pm for the return filing of charges.

The charges are merely legal allegations; these individuals are presumed innocent of the charges against them unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

[1] Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-3-102(1)(d): “Under circumstances evidencing an attitude of universal malice manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life generally, he knowingly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to a person, or persons, other than himself, and thereby causes the death of another.”

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 27, 2023) – District Attorney Alexis King announced today that Matthew Erik Lowderback has been charged for crimes he is accused of committing between Apr. 9-10, 2023, in Lakewood, Denver, and Littleton.

On Apr. 9, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., Lakewood Police Department agents were dispatched to 1615 Pierson St. in reference to a shooting. Multiple witnesses reported hearing a male and female arguing, followed by a single gunshot. Moments later, witnesses reported seeing a female suffering an apparent gunshot wound to the face. Witnesses said that the female was accompanied by a male who indicated they did not need help and that he was taking the female to the hospital. The male and female drove off in a Black Jaguar SUV.

Officers attempted a traffic stop of a Jaguar matching the description at W Colfax Ave and Oak St when the vehicle accelerated to over 110mph, running a red light at W Colfax Ave/Colorado Mills Parkway. Due to the danger to the public, the pursuit was terminated.

Shortly after, a twenty-nine-year-old female covered in blood was found outside an ambulance bay at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Medical Center in Denver. Paramedics transferred the female to Denver Health where she was treated for a gunshot wound to the chin.

The investigation revealed that the female victim was the registered owner of the Jaguar, and the male accused of shooting her was identified as Matthew Lowderback. Lowderback was also accused of stealing the vehicle after leaving the female at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

At the time of the shooting, Lowderback was a wanted fugitive for a 2nd degree assault /Strangulation out of Weld County.

On Apr. 10, 2023, the Denver Police Department (DPD) was dispatched to a disturbance involving a male, identified as Lowderback, armed with a gun. The Denver dispatch center confirmed that Lowderback had a warrant out of Weld County and was subsequently made aware that he was a person of interest for the attempted murder the previous night. As a result, DPD surveilled the residence, which led to officers following a Honda CRV with Lowderback in the passenger seat.

DPD conducted a high-risk stop on the CRV at S Lowell Blvd and W Bowles Ave. The vehicle stopped, and Lowderback exited the car and began running southwest on W Bowles Ave. Lowderback was holding a black handgun and ran into Clement Park.

DPD Officers fired less-lethal rounds at Lowderback in an attempt to safely take him into custody. Lowderback appeared to have been struck, however, he continued to run from Officers in a southwest direction towards the ballfields. Lowderback is accused of pointing his black handgun at DPD Officers during the pursuit. Officers then fired multiple rounds at Lowderback, causing him to fall to the ground. Officers then placed him in custody, and he was transferred to Littleton Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

On Apr. 10, 2023, a Lakewood Police Department warrant was issued for the arrest of Lowderback for Attempted Murder, First Degree Assault, Vehicular Eluding, Criminal Mischief, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, and Domestic Violence.

Upon Lowderback’s release from the hospital on Apr. 20, 2023, he was arrested by the Lakewood Police Department and booked at the Jefferson County Jail.

On Apr. 21, 2023, Lowderback appeared before the First Judicial District Court and received a $1 million cash only bond.

On Apr. 27, 2023, District Attorney Alexis King filed 12 charges:

COUNT 1: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE

COUNT 2: ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE

COUNT 3: ROBBERY

COUNT 4: ROBBERY

COUNT 5: AGGRAVATED MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE

COUNT 6: VEHICULAR ELUDING

COUNT 7: MENACING

COUNT 8: MENACING

COUNT 9: MENACING

COUNT 10: POSSESSION OF A WEAPON BY PREVIOUS OFFENDER

COUNT 11: CRIME OF VIOLENCE

COUNT 12: CRIME OF VIOLENCE

The charges are merely legal allegations; Mr. Lowderback is presumed innocent of the charges against him unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 25, 2023) – People with active warrants for non-violent, low-level misdemeanor and traffic charges in Gilpin or Jefferson counties will once again have an opportunity to resolve their case without arrest as Colorado’s First Judicial District hosts its fourth Fresh Start event at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At our last event in November, 91 individuals cleared their warrant either by setting a new court date, re-engaging in probation, or resolving their case entirely. This collaborative effort saves taxpayers thousands of dollars. Additionally, there were approximately 81 connections with resources, including transportation, peer support, and housing.

This event will also allow people with non-violent, low-level felonies that have recently been reclassified as misdemeanors to resolve their cases. The event excludes people who have been 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 program.

The collaboration resolves minor cases that traditionally involve arrests and court appearances that can negatively impact defendants who want to accept accountability. Individuals on probation who have fallen out of compliance can also re-engage and get back on track to completing their sentence. Individuals who attend will appear before a deputy district attorney who may offer a plea agreement to those eligible. The underlying warrant will be cleared by a judge who may resolve the case or set a new court appearance date.    

Public defenders will again be available to review eligibility and provide legal consultation to qualifying defendants at no cost. Several community partners – including the Community Connections Center (C3), Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Benefits in Action, Hazelbrook Sober Living, Intervention, Inc., Bayaud Enterprises, Kenekt, The Phoenix, Community Medical Services (CMS), Metro Caring, Clerk and Recorders Office, and Behavioral Treatment Services – will also be on-site to provide information and resources for individual needs such as housing and vaccinations.  

Fresh Start is a collaborative effort between First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King, 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.  

GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 3, 2023) – Shimpson Huynh and Adrian Lau were sentenced on Friday by the First Judicial District Court for the crash that killed 21-year-old Annika Williams in Westminster on Nov. 14, 2021. Huynh and Lau were street racing when Huynh’s vehicle struck Williams, killing her and her dog. Huynh and Lau were tried by separate juries earlier this year.

Family and friends of Williams passionately addressed the court and spoke of a young woman with a heart of gold who loved life and serving others. Williams was a CNA and student at CU Boulder with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist. Please see the full statement from the family below.

On Jan. 12, 2023, a jury found Lau not guilty of Vehicular Homicide and guilty of Speed Contest (T1), Speeding 20-24 Over the Limit, and Careless Driving (T2). As a result of these verdicts, Lau faced up to a year in jail. On Friday, the court sentenced Lau to 9 months in jail, and he was remanded.

On Feb. 8, 2023, a jury found Huynh guilty of Vehicular Homicide-Reckless Driving (F4), Speed Contest (T1), Tampering W/Physical Evidence-Destroy (F6), Careless Driving (T2) and Speeding 40/More Over Limit (T2). The court sentenced Huynh to the maximum of 6 years in the Department of Corrections.

“We hope the imposed sentences affirm that street racing behavior is not tolerated in our community and on our roads,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Amy Petri Beard. “The reckless conduct of racers endangers countless lives, and we extend our gratitude to the juries who served and the Westminster Police Department for their efforts in bringing this case to justice.”

In separate hearings, Huynh and Lau addressed the court, admitting to street racing that night and expressing remorse for their actions.  “I would give up everything to bring her back,” said Huynh.

On Nov. 14, 2021, at approximately 9:15 p.m., first responders were dispatched to a crash at 105th and Sheridan Boulevard.  Williams, driving a 2018 Honda HRV, was attempting a legal U-turn from the left turn lane of northbound Sheridan Boulevard when she was hit at a high rate of speed by Huynh’s 2016 Infinity Q50. Williams was transported to a nearby hospital but died shortly after. William’s dog “Alfie” was also killed in the crash.

The Westminster Police Department’s Traffic Accident Investigation Team determined Huynh was traveling 99mph approaching 105th Avenue and approximately 86mph at the time of impact. Huynh’s Infinity Q50 was not street legal, with a “Piggyback” on it that affected the fuel and boost of the engine. Huynh immediately removed his dashcam from his vehicle in an attempt to conceal its existence. Investigators were eventually able to collect it.

Statement issued by the family of Annika Williams:

Annika was a beautiful soul.  A young woman with a heart of gold and her entire life ahead of her.  She had goals, dreams, and ambitions.  She was majoring in Integrative Physiology at CU Boulder with the dream of becoming a physical therapist.  She started working as a CNA at 19 years old to gain experience in the healthcare field, and by 20 she was working in hospice.  She gave care, comfort, and dignity to people in their last days.

 For Annika healthcare was about caring. She always took an interest in her patients.  If they liked a certain type of music, she would be sure to download it for them to play at her next visit.  Or bring art supplies if they had an interest in art.  She could have come in and only done her job, but she always went above and beyond because that’s who she was.  She had a servant’s heart.

In Annika’s 21 years on this earth she touched so many lives.  Now this world is robbed of her life, her love of life, and the innumerable other ways she enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. 

We are glad that Annika was not forgotten at the sentencing stage and that the defendants have real consequences for their selfish actions.  No one should be driving 100mph on a busy city street. The pain the defendants have caused our family and everyone who knew and loved Annika has been unbearable. We need to continue to hold street racers accountable for their actions.  This is not a movie.  People are dying and this time it was our daughter.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Mar. 31, 2023) – this morning, a Jefferson County jury returned guilty verdicts in the trial of Marqueil Banks for the murders of eighteen-year-old Damian Wikoff and seventeen-year-old Dillon Wikoff in Lakewood in 2020. Banks is the final of four juveniles to be convicted for the murders. Two juveniles were tried as adults, and two remained in juvenile court.

The investigation by agents from the Lakewood Police Department revealed that on Aug. 23, 2020, Damien and Dillon arranged to sell a homemade ‘ghost gun’ assembled from a kit they purchased online, as well as trade for another gun. Instead, co-defendant Michael Mendoza recruited a group of juveniles to rob the brothers. During the robbery, Damien and Dillon were shot and killed by Banks.

Banks was convicted of:

Count 1:  MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (After Deliberation – Damian Wikoff)
Count 2:  MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (After Deliberation – Dillon Wikoff)
Count 3:  MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Felony Murder – Damian Wikoff)
Count 4:  MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Felony Murder – Dillon Wikoff)
Count 5:  AGGRAVATED ROBBERY (Wound, Strike)
Count 6:  AGGRAVATED ROBBERY (Kill, Maim, or Wound)

Banks will be sentenced on May 5, 2023, at 8:30 a.m.

Mendoza pled guilty on Jan. 31, 2022, to Aggravated Robbery (F3) and Manslaughter (F4). As a result of his plea, Mendoza faces 10-25 years in the Department of Corrections. Mendoza will be sentenced on Apr. 27, 2023, at 9 a.m.

In May 2021, a third juvenile, age 15 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery (F4) and received two years of Juvenile Intensive Supervised Probation.

In April 2022, a fourth juvenile, age 15 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Murder in the First Degree (F1) and received four years in the Department of Youth Services.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Mar. 20, 2023) – Timothy Ronald Hyatt, a former Denver Police sergeant, was sentenced today by the First Judicial District Court to 4 years of sex offender intensive supervised probation for his communication with an investigator posing as a 14-year-old girl.

On Jan. 23, 2023, Hyatt pled guilty to Attempt to Commit Sexual Assault on a Child and Attempt to Commit Unlawful Sexual Contact. As a result of his plea, prosecutors stipulated to a 4-year Deferred Judgement for the felony offense, subject to additional conditions of probation for adult sex offenders, and a permanent conviction on the Attempt to Commit Unlawful Sexual Contact. Hyatt is required to register as a sex offender and may not possess firearms.

On Feb. 25, 2022, Hyatt messaged a female persona listed as 17 but later disclosed that she was 14. Through several conversations, Hyatt discussed specific sex acts he wished to engage in and arranged to meet the “girl” at a Lakewood park. Hyatt failed to appear, changed his name, and deleted his account.

Investigators from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were later able to identify Hyatt. On Aug. 10, 2022, Hyatt turned himself into the police after admitting he “got carried away.”

GOLDEN, Colo. (Mar. 10, 2023) – Scott Lee Smith II (DOB: 6-15-1975) was sentenced on Wednesday by the First Judicial District Court to 30 years in the Department of Corrections for the murder of his wife, 46-year-old Kanokwan “Nok” Smith. On Feb. 9, 2023, Smith pled guilty to an added count of Murder in the Second Degree. Prosecutors stipulated to a 30-year prison sentence as a result of his guilty plea.

In a courtroom filled with the victim’s loved ones, including family from her native Thailand watching virtually, Nok was consistently described as a hardworking and selfless mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Her friends and family shared that she spent her life working multiple jobs to provide for those around her, including Smith. One of Nok’s friends noted that Smith’s sentencing coincidentally fell on International Women’s Day, a perfect day to honor Nok’s strength and the beautiful life she lived.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Tyra Forbes told the court there was significant evidence to prove that Smith had planned the murder. Forbes stated that evidence included Smith’s concerning behavior in the months leading up to the murder, such as surveilling his wife, setting odd calendar reminders, and obsessing over what would happen to her money when the divorce was final.

“Smith also exhibited highly suspicious behavior on the day of the murder,” said Forbes. “He texted Nok instructing her to put her ring in the safe, halted payment on a check, and several hours before the 911 call, he no call/no showed a longstanding weekly therapy session.”

At the time, Smith was a mental health counselor.

Forbes went on to detail how friends and family told police that Nok was afraid of Smith and that she was trying to get away from him. Yet, despite their pending divorce, Nok allowed Smith to live in the basement, where she was ultimately killed.

On Nov. 1, 2020, at approximately 7:14 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Smith claiming he had just shot his wife in self-defense at their home in Littleton. Smith told the dispatcher that his wife tried to kill him with a butcher knife. On Nov. 2, 2020, Smith was taken into custody but released five days later based on a lack of evidence.

Investigators continued to pursue Smith and discovered that after being taken into custody, Smith called his mother and asked her to recover covert surveillance cameras. Investigators later determined that three cameras were missing, all in locations that would be of great value to determining the events that occurred in the home on the evening of Nov. 1, 2020.

On Sep. 24, 2021, after nearly a year of additional investigation, Smith was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

On Sep. 30, 2021, Smith’s mother, Theresa Rino (DOB 7-7-55), was charged with Accessory to a Crime (F5), Attempted Tampering with Evidence (F6), and Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence (F6). She has pled not guilty and is presumed innocent. Her next court date is scheduled for this morning, Mar. 10, 2023.

The charges against Theresa Rino are merely legal allegations; she is presumed innocent of the charges against her unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Mar. 8, 2023) – With data dashboards growing in popularity, District Attorneys across the nation are turning to Colorado for guidance. Recently, District Attorneys Alexis King (1st Judicial District) and John Kellner (18th Judicial District) were asked to present at the National Prosecutorial Data Transparency and The Use of Data Dashboards Summit, which took place March 1-2, 2023, at the University of Miami (UM). The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) hosted the summit in partnership with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

District Attorneys King and Kellner shared their knowledge and insights about launching the Colorado Prosecutorial Dashboard project to an audience of around 100 individuals, including district attorneys, data scientists, donors, and various other experts in the field. Attendees included special guests Dr. Alex Piquero, Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and Karhlton Moore, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. 

“With our bipartisan data transparency effort now launched statewide, we are on the precipice of addressing longstanding disparities and inequities through concrete and measurable data while advancing technology and raising the bar for prosecution and good government,” said First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King.

Since the initial data dashboards launched last September, five additional Judicial Districts have joined: the 3rd, 10th, 12th, 17th, and 21st. Collectively, these 13 Judicial Districts represent over half of the counties in Colorado (35) and 75% of the state’s population. A similar state-wide model is attempting to be replicated in Maryland.

“On a national level, Colorado prosecutors stand alone in their efforts toward data transparency and making data-informed decisions, and District Attorneys King and Kellner should be applauded for bringing other offices together for this combined vision and their willingness to share with prosecutors around the country,” said David LaBahn, President, and CEO of Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA). “Their leadership is welcomed as prosecutor offices seek guidance in an emerging effort nationwide.”

As prosecutors’ offices become more equipped to collect and utilize data, dashboards are not only a valuable transparency and accountability tool, but having data on the activities of a prosecutor’s office can facilitate better communication with community stakeholders and inform the discourse on important public policy issues. While District Attorneys in Colorado are already using the data to identify goals and implement changes, an aging case management system is a barrier to providing real-time and actionable data. As a result, Kellner and King are steering efforts toward modernizing and advancing technological and analytical capabilities.

“This groundbreaking project is about fairness and equal justice for victims and defendants,” said 18^th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner. “It’s fundamental to our work as prosecutors and public servants that we pull back the curtain and truly examine the criminal justice system to identify disparities, and then take meaningful steps to address them.”

The remaining districts in Colorado will have a continuing opportunity to create data dashboards as the project transitions to the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council for ongoing management this fall. 

###

GOLDEN, Colo. (Feb. 21, 2023) – District Attorney Alexis King announced today that Eduardo Armando Romero (DOB 10-24-93) has been charged with eight counts stemming from alleged conduct on February 13, 2023, that resulted in the shooting and killing of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Graffit.

Romero faces the following charges:

COUNT 1: AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, C.R.S. 18-9-202(1.5)(b) (F6)

COUNT 2: IDENTITY THEFT, C.R.S. 18-5-902(1)(a) (F4)

COUNT 3: MENACING, C.R.S. 18-3-206 (F5)

COUNT 4: VEHICULAR ELUDING, C.R.S. 18-9-116.5 (F5)

COUNT 5: AGGRAVATED MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-4-409(2),(3)(a) (F5)

COUNT 6: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, C.R.S. 42-4-1301(1)(a) (M)

COUNT 7: RESISTING ARREST, C.R.S. 18-8-103 (M2)

COUNT 8: OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER, C.R.S. 18-8-104(1)(a) (M2)

On Feb. 14, 2023, Romero’s bond was set at $300,000 cash only.

He is set for a preliminary hearing on March 17, 2023, at 10:00 am.

The charges are merely legal allegations, and Mr. Romero is presumed innocent of the charges against him unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.