Caleb Hasson Brewer (DOB: 1-25-2003) was sentenced on Tuesday by the First Judicial District Court to 35 years in prison for the murder of 65-year-old Robert Steige of Lakewood. On Jan. 25, Brewer – who was 17 at the time of the incident – pled guilty to Second Degree Murder after parties reached an agreement to a 35-year prison sentence.
The Steige family addressed the court at sentencing and described a devoted caretaker and beloved husband, uncle and friend. The family stated that Robert was very forgiving and they believe that the plea agreement is what he would have wanted.
On March 9, 2020, upon returning from a trip to the grocery store, Steige was sitting inside his vehicle in the driveway of his residence when he was confronted by Brewer. Brewer later told a witness that he approached Steige’s vehicle in an attempt to steal the car and when Steige wouldn’t give up the keys, he shot him twice.
An investigation by the Lakewood Police Department quickly led to the identification of Brewer. On March 12, 2020, Brewer was taken into custody after he was observed in a stolen Jeep and crashed after a police pursuit in Denver.
“On the night of March 9, 2020, Caleb Brewer left his home armed with a firearm, intending to commit a crime,” said Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Tariq Sheikh. “He then senselessly and brutally murdered Robert Steige for not giving Mr. Brewer his car keys. Our hearts are with the family of Mr. Steige, and we are thankful for the quality investigation conducted by the Lakewood Police Department.”