GOLDEN, Colo. (Jul. 7, 2026) – Today, First Judicial District Court Judge Russell Klein sentenced Brent John Metz, 40, to four years of probation, 90 days work release, and 120 hours of useful public service. Additionally, under Colorado law, Mr. Metz cannot own or possess firearms.
On June 1, following a five-day trial, a Jefferson County jury found Metz guilty of Illegal Discharge of a Firearm (Reckless) and Third Degree Assault – (Negligent), the lesser included offense of Second Degree Assault. He was acquitted of Second Degree Assault and two counts of Menacing.
As a result of those convictions, Metz faced probation, up to three years in prison. Based on the conviction of a felony involving the use of a firearm, Metz was immediately remanded into custody and has remained in custody since the verdict. After today’s sentence, he’ll be processed for work release.
At sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Chris Johnson argued for a Department of Corrections sentence, stating “There’s an extraordinary responsibility of gun ownership. And what did he [Mr. Metz] do with that responsibility? He brought a gun with a bullet in the chamber to a situation that did not call for it. Period.”
Allison Howard, the mother of Jack, the victim who was shot, told the Court, “Our families are kind, forgiving people, especially when someone shows genuine remorse, but Mr. Metz has never apologized, never taken responsibility, and never shown a moment of reflection for what he did,” she said.
Howard also told the Court, “As families who support responsible gun ownership, we believe in the rights that come with that responsibility; but people like Mr. Metz – reckless, careless, and unwilling to admit fault – are the reason responsible gun owners face scrutiny.”
The seventeen-year-old victim, Luke, wrote in a letter, nothing will take away the nightmares, the trauma, or the recurring memory of Mr. Metz stepping out of his truck that day.
Defense counsel for Mr. Metz advocated for a one-year sentence of probation with public service. Mr. Metz also addressed the Court and apologized to the victims.
Additional statement by District Attorney Alexis King:
“We appreciate the Court weighing all the factors, including how to account for someone who has never been involved in the system, and we further share the Court’s concern that no good reason was ever offered for why Mr. Metz unholstered his firearm that day. Ultimately, he was found to be negligent and reckless, and he has caused a lifetime of trauma for those who suffered from his poor decision making.”