January 24, 2008
Anatomy of Forgiveness
January 24, 2008 4:17 PM
Five years have passed since 20 year old Lacy Miller was abducted and senselessly killed by a Ft. Collins man impersonating a police officer. Jason Clausen is serving life in prison for the crime. The incident shattered the lives of those involved but as KUNC's Brian Larson shares it also set in motion a story of forgiveness...
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime
January 9, 2008
Sheriff Seeks Help Finding Missing Woman
January 9, 2008 5:10 PM
The El Paso County Sheriff's department is asking for help locating a woman missing for nearly a month. Late last month the sheriff's office was asked to check on the welfare of 51-year-old Audrey Blake of 2345 Piros Drive in unincorporated El Paso County.
Blake was last seen was at the Greyhound Bus Station where she was dropped off by Yellow Cab on November 27th. Her bus ticket said she was going to Miami, Florida and was due to return December 11th. She has had no contact with any friends or family since November 27th.
Family and friends say Blake's lack of contact with family is unusual, and that she normally returns on the date she'll be home.
Audrey Ellen Blake is described as a white female, 51 years of age, with short white hair, hazel eyes, 5'9" tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds. A photo is available at KRCC.org.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about Blake's whereabouts to Detective Charles Kull at 719-520-7190.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , El Paso County , Regional , Transportation
December 12, 2007
Local News Roundup, Wed., Dec. 12, 2007
December 12, 2007 5:43 PM
Murray's Parents Speak
Ritter Visits Colorado Troops in Iraq
Salazar: No Renewable Mandate in Federal Energy Bill
Spud Pests in Colorado?
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Health , Military , Religion
Statement From Killer's Parents
December 12, 2007 12:04 PM
Text of a statement issued Wednesday by Ronald and Loretta Murray, parents of Matthew Murray, the gunman who killed four people at a Colorado church and youth mission center on Sunday:
Out of respect for the grieving families of the victims of this unthinkable tragedy, our family will not be making any statements to the press until funeral services for all the victims have concluded. Our thoughts and constant prayers are with the families of Stephanie and Rachel Works, Phillip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson as well as those who were injured in the shootings.
Read More --> Continue reading "Statement From Killer's Parents" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:04 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Denver , Memorial
December 11, 2007
Latest Details on New Life Shootings
December 11, 2007 5:28 PM
Colorado Springs police say the man who killed four people at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and the Youth With a Mission training center in Arvada on Sunday died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:28 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Religion
December 10, 2007
Jeanne Assam, "Hero" of New Life Shooting Speaks to the Press
December 10, 2007 6:02 PM
After keeping her identity secret for 24 hours, New Life Church and Colorado Springs police announced that the volunteer security guard who stopped the killing spree at the church Sunday is 42-year-old Jeanne Assam. Assam then took questions from the media at a press conference at the Colorado Springs police operations center downtown for about 10 minutes. Here is the press conference in its entirety.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Religion
December 9, 2007
New Life Church Shootings - UPDATE - Shooter Identified
December 9, 2007 4:24 PM
Brady Boyd, head pastor at New Life Church addresses the media Monday morning, Dec. 10, 2007
3 p.m. update, Dec. 10, 2007 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A law enforcement official says the deadly rampages at a megachurch and a missionary training school were believed to have been carried out by the same person - Matthew Murray, a 24-year-old suburban Denver man who "hated Christians."
Text below updated at 1pm:
The two people killed in a shooting spree at New Life Church in Colorado Springs are being identified today as teenage sisters. Eighteen-year-old Stephanie Works and 16-year-old Rachael Works were killed when the gunman opened fire with a high-powered rifle. Senior Pastor Brady Boyd said ``our hearts are grieving this morning for them.'' One of the three people who were injured in the attack was the girls' father, 51-year-old David Works, who's in fair condition with gunshot wounds in his abdomen and groin area. Also injured were 40-year-old Judy Purcell, who suffered a gunshot wound to her right shoulder, and 59-year-old Larry Bourbannais, who had a gunshot wound in his left forearm. Both were treated and released. Boyd says ``the others that were wounded yesterday are doing well. All of them should recover. They don't have life-threatening injuries.''
Boyd said the gunman had no connection to the church, and called the incident a ``senseless random attack.'' He said the New Life security guard who shot and killed the gunman was a volunteer but he did not release her name. ``She's a real hero'' says Boyd this morning outside the church, "She probably saved 100 lives,'' because the gunman ``had a lot of ammunition to do a lot of damage.'' Boyd says the guard is a member of the church with a law enforcement background, but said she is not currently a law enforcement officer. He did say security was increased at the church after the earlier shootings in Arvada. Two people were killed on the Youth With a Mission campus after a staffer told a man he could not spend the night there.
Witnesses to yesterday's shooting spree at New Life described a horrific scene as a gunman opened fire there following a church service. Jessie Gingrich had left New Life and was in the parking lot getting into her car when she saw the gunman get a rifle from his trunk and open fire on a van full of people. She says she then cowered in her car, fumbling with the ignition key. She told ABC's ``Good Morning America'' today that she was expecting the next gunshot to come through her car, but ``by the grace of God, it did not.'' Ashley Gibbs was getting into a car when she heard the gunshots, which she said sounded like someone was kicking ice from the side of a car. She told NBC's ``Today'' show that she prayed God would bring him peace.
We will keep you posted as we learn more.
Here is a link to an AP story at NPR's website: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17060196
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Crime , Religion
December 6, 2007
Local News Roundup, Thurs., Dec. 6, 2007
December 6, 2007 5:06 PM
Arrest in Soldier's Shooting Death
Workplace Deaths Rise Again
19 Illegal Immigrants Arrested on I-70
Frontier Cutting Staff
Dems Hire "Greening" Director for '08 Convention
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Crime , Elections , Environment , Immigration , Politics , Regional
November 28, 2007
City Drops Charges Against Last of St. Patrick's Day Protesters
November 28, 2007 2:32 PM
Photo by Mark Lewis, CSAction.org
This press release was issued by the City of Colorado Springs at about 2:30pm.
City Attorney Patricia K. Kelly said:
"The City Attorney's Office has just concluded a comprehensive review of evidence regarding further prosecution of Eric Verlo and Elizabeth Fineron. Based upon that review, we have decided that it is not in the public interest to continue the further prosecutions. We have decided to seek a dismissal of charges against the two defendants."
"The comprehensive review revealed police actions were appropriate during the St. Patrick's Day parade and there was probable cause to arrest the defendants. Further, the review found ample and sufficient evidence, along with multiple witnesses to continue with the prosecution. However, a second trial would require a significant time commitment from police officers, citizen witnesses and prosecutors, and, in this case, it would appear that the public has already spoken when the first trial ended in a hung jury."
Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Holiday , Legal Affairs , Military , Politics
November 1, 2007
Rev. Armstrong Formally De-Frocked by Colorado Episcopal Diocese
November 1, 2007 5:06 PM
The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado has formally de-frocked the Reverend Don Armstrong, of Grace Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. The action came 30 days after a church court found him guilty of several financial crimes.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Gay & Lesbian , Legal , Religion
October 31, 2007
Local News Roundup Wed., Oct. 31, 2007
October 31, 2007 5:18 PM
UPDATE: Feds Say: Protect Preble's Mouse in Colorado, But Not Wyoming
Read more about the decision HERE
Two Homicides in Pueblo This Week
Gas Leases Suspended for Environmental Concerns
Denver High School Clinics Ponder Offering Contraceptives
Report: Immigration Raids Traumatize Legal Residents
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Business , Colorado , Crime , Education , Environment , Health , Immigration , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities
October 23, 2007
Armtrong's Attorney: Audit Says Client is Innocent of Financial Crimes
October 23, 2007 4:56 PM
An auditor hired by the Reverend Don Armstrong's attorney has found no evidence the pastor committed fraud or theft. Armstrong is the pastor of Grace Episcopal Church and St. Stephen's Parish in Colorado Springs. Last December, he was suspended by the Episcopal diocese of Colorado on suspicion of financial misconduct. In August, that body found him guilty of misappropriating nearly $400,000, lying to the IRS, illegally encumbering church property and other crimes. Armstrong has denied any wrongdoing, and says the diocese has no jurisdiction over him. But he remains under investigation by the Colorado Springs police department's financial crimes unit.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Religion
October 19, 2007
Local News Round-Up for Fri., Oct. 19, 2007
October 19, 2007 5:04 PM
State Senator Ron May
Springs Senator Ron May Resigns - Bruce to Statehouse?
Accused Springs Cop Killer Asks for Venue Change
State Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Slightly
Bones From Pueblo Frontier Days Found in Vermont
Sewage Spill at Camp for Gas Workers
CU President Brown's "Ghetto" Comment Criticized
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:04 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , History , Legal , Native American , Politics , Pueblo
October 18, 2007
Local News Roundup Thurs., Oct. 18, 2007
October 18, 2007 5:42 PM
Colorado Delegation Splits on SCHIP Vote
States Top Oil and Gas Regulator Resigns
Greeley's Reputation Hurts Recruiting at UNC
Springs Woman Convicted of Perjury in Arson Deaths
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Crime , Education , Environment , Health , Legal , Politics
October 17, 2007
Local News Roundup for Wed., Oct. 17, 2007
October 17, 2007 6:06 PM
Photo courtesy of Colorado Environmental Coalition
Industry Says Roan Platau Gas Worth $1 Billion
Ranchers: Army Hardly Uses Pinon Canyon
2nd Bear Attack in Aspen
Teacher at Christian High School Arrested on Sex Charges
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Animal Rights/Wellfare , Business , Children & Youth , Colorado , Crime , Education , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics , Regional
October 15, 2007
Army Offers $10,000 Reward in Soldier's Death
October 15, 2007 5:28 PM
The Army is offering a cash reward in the case of former soldier Joe Baker who was found dead at Ft. Carson almost two years ago.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:28 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Ft. Carson , Military
October 12, 2007
Local News Roundup for Fri, October 12, 2007
October 12, 2007 5:43 PM
Foster Mother Jailed in Death of Two-Year-Old
222nd Ft. Carson Soldier Killed in Iraq
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Ft. Carson , Military , Regional
October 11, 2007
Local News Round-Up for October 11, 2007
October 11, 2007 6:02 PM
Memorial Hospital Says It's Not At Fault in Family Deaths
Overdose Victim Was Set to Testify Against Pueblo City Schools
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Crime , Drug Use , Health , Legal
October 9, 2007
$850,000 for Capitol Sercurity
October 9, 2007 5:44 PM
State lawmakers voted Tuesday to spend 850 thousand dollars to beef up security at the capitol in the wake of a deadly shooting last July. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Crime , Denver , Politics
October 2, 2007
St. Paddy's Day Two Have New Lawyers
October 2, 2007 5:38 PM
The two remaining defendants from the group of peace activists arrested last spring during the St. Patrick's day parade have new lawyers. Colorado College Student Jaimie Stevenson has more.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:38 PM| Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal
October 1, 2007
Charges Dropped Against Five of "St. Paddy's Day Seven"
October 1, 2007 6:01 PM
The St. Paddy's Day Seven are now down to just two. Charges have been dropped against five of the seven activists who were arrested at Colorado Springs' St. Patrick's Day parade last March.
To hear the story, and the perspective of one of the activists against whom charges have been dropped, click here: [LISTEN]
To hear perspective from the City of Colorado Springs, click here: [LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:01 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal
September 28, 2007
Kidnapping Suspect Arrested, Victim Safe
September 28, 2007 4:12 PM
Jerry Gilley
Nancy Gilley
MEDIA RELEASE September 29, 2007 [1:25 p.m.]
KIDNAPPING SUSPECT ARRESTED AND VICTIM SAFE
El Paso County Sheriff's investigators worked through the night on Friday to find information on the kidnapping victim, Nancy Gilley and her alleged kidnapper. Their diligence paid off and the two were located late Friday night.
Investigators followed leads which indicated Jerry Gilley and Nancy Gilley may have been at a hotel in Trinidad, Colorado. With assistance from the Trinidad Police Department, investigators confirmed their location. At approximately 11:35 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2007, Sheriff's investigators worked in collaboration with the Trinidad Police and the Trinidd SWAT team to contact and subsequently arrest Jerry Gilley. Nancy Gilley was with him and was taken to safety.
Currently Jerry Gilley is in the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center facing charges of Domestic Violence-First Degree Kidnapping, First Degree Burglary, and Felony Menacing. He is being held without bond at this time.
Nancy Gilley is safe with family and friends today.
This investigation is ongoing and more details may be available at a later time.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:12 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , El Paso County , Regional
September 26, 2007
Local News Roundup, Wed., Sept. 26, 2007
September 26, 2007 4:55 PM
Paccione Drops Out of 4th CD Race
Private Developer to Build Housing on Petersen, Schreiver
Murder-Suicide in Fremont County
Cotopaxi Man Missing
Arapahoe, Douglas Counties Plan $20 Billion for Water by 2020
Boulder to Hire Urban Wildlife Coordinator
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:55 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Military , Politics , Regional , Utilities
September 13, 2007
Local News Round-Up for September 13, 2007
September 13, 2007 5:08 PM
Inmate Attacks Limon Prison Supervisor
New GOP Senate Candidate Announces
Tancredo to Get Federal Matching Funds for Campaign
State Supreme Court OKs Lawsuit Against Denver Archdiocese
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , Elections , Legal , Politics , Prisons , Religion
September 7, 2007
Local News Roundup- Sept. 7, 2007
September 7, 2007 5:08 PM
Local Soldier Arrested As Internet Predator
Hsu Arrested in Grand Junction
Exxon Mobil Expanding Colorado Natural Gas Production
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Crime , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Regional
September 6, 2007
Local News Roundup- Sept. 6, 2007
September 6, 2007 5:09 PM
Salazar Amendment Stalling Pinon Canyon Expansion Passes Senate
Feds Close Roads on Roan Plateau
Hunter Busted for Baiting Bear
Mountain Lion Kills Tiny Horse
Kelsey Grammer Fighting Parole for Sister's Killer
DIA Needs More Snow Stuff
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:09 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Crime , Denver , Military , Politics
September 5, 2007
126 Inmates Sick at Pueblo County Jail
September 5, 2007 5:38 PM
Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor says 126 inmates in the county jail are sick with diarrhea and vomiting, and health officials are trying to find the cause. County public health nurse Jody Carrillio says stool samples have been sent to the state lab in Denver for testing. In the meantime, jail officials are taking precautions to prevent the spread of infections.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:38 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Health , Prisons , Pueblo
Capitol to Beef Up Security
September 5, 2007 4:49 PM
In the wake of a deadly shooting last July Governor Ritter says he wants to install metal detectors and beef up security at the state capitol. The Governor wants the new measures in place before the legislative session starts in January. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:49 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , Denver
August 29, 2007
McFadyen: Supermax Staffing Still Dangerously Low 1 Year After Promised Reforms
August 29, 2007 5:23 PM
It's been one year since a federal judge ordered the Department of Justice to improve security at the Supermax prison in Florence. And the state representative for that area says it hasn't happened yet. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , Prisons
August 28, 2007
Local News Round-Up, Aug. 27, 2007
August 28, 2007 3:05 PM
A freshman at the University of Colorado's Boulder campus is recovering following surgery after he was slashed in the throat by a man school officials called incoherent.
A Fort Carson soldier is behind bars and another man is in critical condition after a weekend shooting in Colorado Springs. Police say 23-year-old Private First Class Matthew Kyle Moore was arrested Saturday evening, a few hours after he allegedly shot Leo Garcia twice in the chest.
Congressman Doug Lamborn doesn't want to talk about the 2008 election. In an interview with the Canon Daily Record Newspaper in Canon City, 5th District Rep. Lamborn said he's "busy concentrating (his) efforts on serving" his constituents and hasn't even officially declared as a candidate for a year from November. "At this point, I'm not concerned about any potential candidate," Lamborn said.
[CU LISTEN]
[CS SHOOTING LISTEN]
[LAMBORN LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Education , Elections , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics
August 24, 2007
Mistrial Declared for St. Paddy's Day 7
August 24, 2007 6:29 PM
After deliberating for about two-and-a-half hours a jury in Colorado Springs municipal court said they had differences that weren't going to be resolved. City Judge Robert Warren then declared a mistrial. It's now up to the city whether to re-file charges and bring the case again. Scott Patlin, the lead prosecutor for the city at the trial says he expects the city will re-file. The mistrial came after a day and a half of testimony and arguments in the city's case against seven people it says intentionally obstructed the St. Patrick's day parade last March.
[LISTEN]
Read More --> Continue reading "Mistrial Declared for St. Paddy's Day 7" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Holiday , Legal , Military , Politics
Local News Round-up, Aug. 24
August 24, 2007 12:05 PM
Bill for universal health insurance in Colorado: $26 billion.
Pueblo County Commissioner resigns for job with John Salazar.
Copper wire thieves cost the Colorado Springs Utilities $658,000.
Power consumption in Colorado Springs sets new record, again.
Klansman to be sentenced in case Springs man helped re-open.
Marilyn Musgrave asks feds for more time to comment on a proposed uranium mine in Weld County.
Feds take control of the state's eighth-largest credit union.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , El Paso County , Energy , Environment , Health , Legal , Politics , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities
August 23, 2007
St. Paddy's Day 7 Trial Begins
August 23, 2007 6:42 PM
The City of Colorado Springs called 13 witnesses in municipal court Thursday to try and prove that seven people deliberately obstructed the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the city last March. The defense says that's simply not true. The City says it was just trying to maintain public safety, the defendants say their first amendment rights were stepped on.
The trial continues Friday, two more witnesses are scheduled to testify before closing arguments. It will then be up to a jury of four women and two men to decide the guilt or innocence of the so-called St. Paddy's Day 7.
Read More --> Continue reading "St. Paddy's Day 7 Trial Begins" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal , Military , Politics
August 20, 2007
Colorado News Round-up, Aug. 20, 2007
August 20, 2007 6:20 PM
The number of Court-approved wiretaps are rising dramatically in Colorado, resulting in more drug arrests but raising privacy concerns.
Forest Service contractors have begun thinning stands of ponderosa pine in a 200-acre tract of the Rio Grande National Forest to reduce fire danger and improve big-game habitat.
Tom Tancredo says the parents of the New Jersey schoolyard slaying victims should sue the city for negligence.
No institution of higher learning in Colorado has made the Princeton Review's annual list of top 10 party schools for 2008, but the U.S. Air Force Academy ranks number 7 on it's list of schools that are, "stone, cold sober."
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Crime , Drug Use , Elections , Environment , Forest Plans , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal Affairs , Politics , Regional
August 9, 2007
Springs Police Investigating Rev. Don Armstrong, DA May Appoint Special Prosecutor
August 9, 2007 5:22 PM
The Colorado Springs Police are investigating Reverend Don Armstrong for embezzlement, and District Attorney John Newsome (pictured) says a special prosecutor may be appointed.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal , Religion
July 27, 2007
ICE Raid's Aftermath in the San Luis Valley
July 27, 2007 4:56 PM
Colorado made national headlines last December, when federal Immigration agents raided the Swift meatpacking plant in Greeley, arresting 261 people.
Less well publicized was an immigration raid in April in the San Luis Valley. In the tiny town of Center, Colorado, federal agents arrested a couple of dozen undocumented workers at a potato plant.
The aftermath of the fallout is chronicled in the latest issue of High Country News. Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siegler recently spoke with reporter Eric Mack, who covered the raids. Mack says immigrants in the valley are living in anxiety in the aftermath of the enforcement action.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business/Labor , Colorado , Crime , Immigration , Regional
July 16, 2007
Armed Man Shot and Killed at Capitol
July 16, 2007 4:49 PM
An unidentified man was shot and killed by police today after entering the state capitol with a pistol. We talked to NPR Staff Reporter Jeff Brady in Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:49 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , Denver
June 27, 2007
Simon Says: A True Story of Boys, Guns and Murder in the Rocky Mountain West
June 27, 2007 5:26 PM
Kathryn Eastburn was the editor of the Colorado Springs Inedpendent when she began working on the story of the Dutcher murders in Guffey, Colorado on December 31st, 2000.
This fall, Eastburn will publish a book about the incident, called, "Simon Says: A True Story of Boys, Guns and Murder in the Rocky Mountain West." She will read from her forthcoming work Thursday night, June 28th as a part of the Colorado College Summer Arts Festival. Noel Black spoke with her about the book.
[ LISTEN ]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Children & Youth , Colorado , Crime , Legal Affairs , Literature , Media , Visiting CC
May 8, 2007
Police After Action Report on St. Pat's Parade
May 8, 2007 6:24 PM
This is the audio of Colorado Springs Police Chief Richard Meyers' "After action report" to Colorado Springs City Council, given on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. He gave a nearly identical presentation the day before.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Media
May 7, 2007
Police Chief: Parade Organizer, Activists to Blame for St. Patty's Day Arrests
May 7, 2007 5:32 PM
The Springs Police Chief says cops didn't do anything wrong at the St. Patrick's day parade.
Police Chief Richard Meyers gave his after-action report to Colorado Springs City Council today on events that led to seven peace activists being arrested amid accusations of police brutality.
[LISTEN]
Read More --> Continue reading "Police Chief: Parade Organizer, Activists to Blame for St. Patty's Day Arrests" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Elections , Legal Affairs , Media , Military
May 4, 2007
Peace Activists Walk Out of City Meeting
May 4, 2007 3:39 PM
Peace activists arrested in Colorado Springs in 2003 were supposed to be part of a panel discussion with the City of Colorado Springs and Springs Police today. The activists walked out of the event before it could begin, though.
The public discussion was ordered by a judge. It was part of a settlement the City made with the activists after the activists sued over their treatment by Springs Police. The settlement said the discussion would be both public and videotaped, to be shown on the city's public access TV channel and as a training aid for police.
But before the panel was seated, activist Eric Doub of Boulder said activists would not participate. They said the city broke the terms of the settlement agreement by not consulting them about a moderator for the event, and denying them a hand in producing the final video product documenting the event.
The city denied that it had broken the settlement agreement. Assistant City Attorney Tom Marrese asked the activists to participate in the panel, and then return to a judge if they still had issues with how the video record would be handled.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:39 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs
Gazette Religion Writer on Grace Episcopal Split
May 4, 2007 10:45 AM
This week Grace Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs voted to elect new vestry members. The move signals an even wider rift between those loyal to the Episcopal Church and those who decided to split, and align themselves with the conservative Congregation of Anglicans in North American, or CANA.
The split has been shrouded in allegations of financial wrongdoing on the part of Reverend Don Armstrong and a heated dispute over the ownership of the historical Grace Church property downtown. To help sort out some the latest developments, Noel Black spoke with Gazette religion reporter Paul Asay.
The day after this interview took place, Paul Asay announced his resignation from the Gazette effective in two weeks. To hear a longer
interview with him about his four-year tenure covering everything from
Ted Haggard to the recent Episcopal schism, tune in to The Big
Something at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:45 AM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Politics , Religion
Peace Activists/City: Let's Keep Talking
May 4, 2007 9:48 AM
Expect a lot more dialog between Colorado Springs peace activists and city government.
Activists and city officials met May 2nd, will meet again today, May 4, and both sides say they want to keep talking in the future.
The Pikes Peak Peace and Justice Coalition's Eric Verlo and City Councilmember Jerry Heimlicher talk about what they're talking about in [THIS PIECE.]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:48 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Media , Military , Politics
May 2, 2007
Town Meeting on Civil Liberties
May 2, 2007 8:33 AM
Friday May 4 Town Meeting Scheduled on Civil Liberties
City police officials will meet with some of those arrested at peace demonstrations in 2003, says a press release from the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Coalition. The release says there will be a panel, including Deputy Police Chief Steve Liebowitz, Colorado Springs Police Commander Rod Walker, and Police Dept. "legal expert" Lori Miskel. The forum will be moderated by formal local TV anchor Eric Singer.
Friday May 4th at the Senior Center, 1514 North
Hancock, at 2 pm.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be taped and
rebroadcast on city cable channel 18.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 8:33 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Politics
May 1, 2007
Decreased Penalties for Theft Crimes?
May 1, 2007 5:47 PM
A law that would reduce prison sentences for stealing cars, check fraud and other theft crimes cleared the senate chamber Monday. Proponents say the bill would save the state millions of dollars in prison costs. The measure now heads to the house for debate. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:47 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Crime , Prisons
April 26, 2007
ICE Office to Open in Colorado Springs
April 26, 2007 5:13 PM
[LISTEN]
WHITNEY: Colorado Springs is getting an ICE office. ICE being the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Some local elected leaders, including Sheriff Terry Maketa, have been lobbying for a federal Immigration enforcement office here for more than a year. Today Senator Wayne Allard said he received a report from the agency saying it plans to open ICE offices in Colorado Springs and Greeley. Allards office says they could open within months. Steve Wymer, a spokesman for the senator, says the agency will use existing funding to shift resources to the Springs and Greeley.
Read More --> Continue reading "ICE Office to Open in Colorado Springs" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:13 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business/Labor , Colorado Springs , Crime , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal Affairs
April 20, 2007
Cold Case Unit Bill Dies
April 20, 2007 12:53 AM
Lawmakers struck down a bill that would have created a statewide cold case unit to investigate unsolved crimes. The bill failed in the house despite significant changes from it's introduction. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[ LISTEN ]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 12:53 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Crime
Columbine Anniversary
April 20, 2007 12:37 AM
Friday marks the eighth anniversary of the Columbine High school shootings in Littleton. Colorado lawmakers say the killings at Virginia Tech earlier in the week make this year's anniversary especially difficult. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[ LISTEN ]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 12:37 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Crime , Legal , Memorial
April 11, 2007
St. Patrick's Parade Arrestees Arraigned
April 11, 2007 12:24 PM
The seven people arrested at the St. Patrick's Day parade in Colorado Springs appeared in court for the first time Tuesday and chose to plead their cases before a jury.
Charged with failure to disperse when arrested, the city attorney is now charging them with "obstructing passage or assembly" instead. The arrestees have said their actions did not obstruct the parade. They believe the city violated their free speech rights and used excessive force in removing them from the parade. Their trials are scheduled to begin May 7.
Read More --> Continue reading "St. Patrick's Parade Arrestees Arraigned" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Military , Slideshow
April 9, 2007
Sheriff: Drug Overdose Kills Inmate at El Paso County Jail
April 9, 2007 4:29 PM
An apparent drug overdose killed an inmate at the El Paso County jail on Sunday.
The sheriff's office reports that 34-year-old Dustin Elbert was found dead at about 5:00 yesterday afternoon by a deputy conducting formal welfare checks. The deputy administered CPR until medical help arrived, and an ambulance was summoned. Ambulance staff declared him dead about 10 minutes after he was discovered to be unresponsive.
[ LISTEN ]
Read More --> Continue reading "Sheriff: Drug Overdose Kills Inmate at El Paso County Jail" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Drug Use , El Paso County
April 5, 2007
Energy Company Opens "Man Camp" to Combat Drug and Alcohol Abuse
April 5, 2007 5:17 PM
Energy companies are drilling around the clock in western Colorado. But just as the price of natural gas continues to soar, it appears that drug and alcohol abuse among the industry's workforce is climbing as well. Now, one of the region's largest gas drilling companies has started housing some of its employees at the drill rigs themselves, to keep tabs on them, and enforce strict, anti-substance abuse policies. Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siegler visited a man camp near Parachute and filed this report.
[ LISTEN HERE ]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Drug Use , Energy
February 28, 2007
Denver Is A Hub For Human Trafficking
February 28, 2007 5:26 PM
A new state report says Denver is a hub for human trafficking. The report identifies at least 25 victims in Colorado and says most of them were forced to work in the sex trade. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Sorry, no transcript, listen here
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Crime , Immigration
February 22, 2007
Animal Cruelty Reports Up Sharply In El Paso County
February 22, 2007 5:49 PM
El Paso county saw a 75 percent jump in animal cruelty cases last year. That according to Sheriff Terry Maketa.
Read More --> Continue reading "Animal Cruelty Reports Up Sharply In El Paso County" »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:49 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Environment
Gonzales: Supermax safe. Union: Skeptical.
February 22, 2007 11:08 AM
Supermax is safe and security is getting better. That䴜s the message from U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who visited the federal lockup in Fremont County Wednesday, Feb. 21. But a guard䴜s union says fixes are just masking a bigger nationwide problem.
[ LISTEN ]
Read More --> Continue reading "Gonzales: Supermax safe. Union: Skeptical." »
Posted by Eric Whitney at 11:08 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons
February 20, 2007
Attorney General Gonzales to Visit Supermax
February 20, 2007 5:29 PM
WHITNEY: U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales will visit the Supermax prison in Florence tomorrow. Supermax came under fire last fall when federal investigations found that convicted terrorists and gang leaders were able to communicate with associates outside the bars, and even run criminal operations from inside the facility.
Part of the reason for the security breaches was understaffing. So said the union that represents correctional officers at Supermax. And last fall a federal arbitrator agreed. The result has been 30 new staffers being added to Supermax. Union representative Mike Schnobrich, who works at the facility, says thats a good start.
[ LISTEN ]
Read More --> Continue reading "Attorney General Gonzales to Visit Supermax" »
Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons
February 8, 2007
Ari Zavaras Takes the Reins at Department of Corrections, Again.
February 8, 2007 5:22 PM
Sorry, no transcript available for this story. Listen to it here:
[ LISTEN ]
Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons
Abolish the Death Penalty in Colorado?
February 8, 2007 5:19 PM
KRCC NEWS, Thursday, February 8, 2007
Listen to this story here: http://capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?328
Louisville Democrat Paul Weissman wants to take the money the state currently spends pursuing death penalty cases and use it to fund cold case investigations into Colorados 1,200 unsolved homicides. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
BENTE: The bill would use the money spent on death penalty cases to set up a seven member statewide cold case unit. Democratic Representative Paul Weissmann from Louisville is the bills sponsor.
WEISSMAN: To me its such an amazing thing that theres 1,200 unsolved homicides in this state. From a public safety standpoint that means theres close to 1,200 murderers walking our streets.
BENTE: Currently two people in Colorado sit on death row, and Weissmann says under bill theyd stay there. And Even though Weissmann says he opposes the death penalty, he says thats not what the bill is really about.
WEISSMAN: You could debate the moral issues forever and never resolve it. Does an eye for an eye trump though shalt not kill? I dont know and I dont think Ill ever know that answer. But the economics are cut and dry.
BENTE: Wiessman says the state will save $750,000 by not continuing to pursue death penalty cases. Most of that money would go towards the cold case units. But opponents of the bill say the death penalty is a necessary form of punishment. They also say diverting money from death penalty cases is a bad funding mechanism. Democrats and one Republican voted for the bill. It now heads to an appropriations committee.
JOHNSON: Were not talking about building speculative transmission. Weve already identified constraints on the system today. We have wind generation on our system today that weve located in areas where we conventional generation but both cannot operate at the same time. This is not just build it they will come, its build to areas we already know are constrained.
BENTE: The bill passed unanimously and now heads to the senate floor for final approval.
Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons
