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Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Man sentenced to 39 years in prison for stabbing his mother in the neck

Man sentenced to 39 years in prison for stabbing his mother in the neck.

Samuel Edward Wise

A Douglas County judge sentenced a man to 39 years in prison for charges stemming from attacks on his girlfriend and mother in 2018. In December 2021, a jury found Samuel Edward Wise, 32, guilty of five charges including attempted first-degree murder.
On May 29, 2018, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported stabbing in a home in unincorporated Douglas County. There they encountered Wise wielding a knife in the driveway. During a brief standoff, Wise picked up a rock and lunged at the deputies, but the deputies were able to take him into custody without further incident.
A subsequent investigation revealed that after a day of drinking Wise assaulted his girlfriend in the basement of the home. When she hid from him in a bathroom, Wise attempted to break down the door with an axe. Wise’s mother intervened and when she attempted to call 911, Wise stabbed her in the neck with a folding knife.
Wise was charged with seven counts stemming from the incident. He pleaded not guilty and the case proceeded to trial on November 30, 2021. At the conclusion of the four-day trial the jury returned guilty verdicts on five counts: attempted first-degree murder, first degree assault, felony menacing, third degree assault, and criminal mischief.
During the sentencing hearing, Douglas County District Court Judge Theresa Slade noted that Wise’s mother was lucky to have survived the attack.
“This terrible incident is a disturbing reminder of the dangerous and chaotic situations law enforcement are often called upon to defuse,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “I’m grateful for the dedicated deputies whose quick actions prevented this defendant from causing any further harm.”
Senior Deputy District Attorney Valerie Brewster, who tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Angela Compton, echoed that sentiment. “We’re thankful that the level-headed response of these deputies saved this family from what could have been even more heartache,” Brewster stated. “We hope this sentence brings them closure and allows them to start the next chapter of their lives.”

Douglas County man who attacked wife with sword sentenced to prison

Douglas Co. man who attacked wife with sword sentenced to prison

Thomas Averill Keller

A Douglas County man who attacked his wife with a Samurai sword in a horrific domestic violence incident was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Thomas Averill Keller, 59, pleaded guilty Feb. 14 to one count of attempted second-degree murder. Other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Douglas County District Court Judge Theresa Slade immediately sentenced Keller to 14 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

“Violence is not a normal part of any relationship,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “This defendant attacked his wife and nearly killed her. His circle of blaming her for his aggression and then apologizing and saying it will never happen again ends here.”

On Dec. 19, 2019, Keller’s wife frantically called 911. She told the dispatcher her husband was out of control with a knife, and she didn’t feel safe. While the wife was on the phone, the 911 dispatcher heard her scream, “Tom get away from me, put that sword away!”

The wife was hiding in a bedroom closet. Keller broke through the door and swung a katana type sword at her. The blow hit her on the wrist and severed two arteries and three tendons.

The wife was able to shove her way past Keller and run into the street, where an arriving deputy immediately applied a tourniquet. Doctors later said the tourniquet saved her life.

Other deputies found Keller in the house and took him into custody after a brief standoff.

“This defendant had been previously charged for felony level domestic violence with the same victim and received treatment; yet here we are in court sentencing him again after another domestic violence offense,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Valerie Brewster, who prosecuted the case with Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger. “The defendant tried to blame alcohol and at times the victim for his behavior. This sentence is a clear message that the defendant and the defendant alone is responsible for his actions. But for the strength and courage of this victim the People would not have been able to hold him accountable.”

If you are in an abusive relationship, get help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (723) or thehotline.org

Kelly Turner sentenced for killing daughter Olivia Gant

Kelly Renee Turner was sentenced Wednesday. Feb. 9, to 16 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for killing her daughter Olivia.

Kelly Renee Turner

Douglas County District Court Judge Patricia Herron sentenced Turner, 43, after she pleaded guilty Jan. 3 to one count of negligent child abuse causing death, a Class 3 felony; one count of theft of between $100,000 and $1 million, a Class 3 felony; and one count of charitable fraud, a Class 5 felony. Other counts were dismissed a part of the plea agreement.

“This is not a perfect outcome, but this is not a perfect case,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “I’m proud of our team that fought so hard for justice — after so many years — for little Olivia.

“By pleading guilty, the defendant admits what she did to Olivia. She also lied about her daughter’s condition and using those lies to her own financial gain. This is a despicable crime, and absolutely this defendant deserves to serve years behind bars.”

In 2018, Douglas County Sheriff’s investigators began looking into Turner, who lived in Highlands Ranch. Doctors and child welfare workers were concerned about one of Turner’s daughters. Turner kept bringing that daughter in for treatments that were not medically necessary, and Turner admitted to lying about her daughter’s medical history.

When the doctors and child welfare workers discovered that Turner’s daughter Olivia had died of a mysterious, untreatable illness at age 7 in 2017, they contacted law enforcement.

The surviving juvenile daughter was moved from Turner’s care, and she improved.

Investigators took the case to the grand jury, which has subpoena power. Several doctors said that descriptions of Olivia’s ailments were dependent on Turner, who approved surgery after surgery and insisted Olivia was not getting better. It was Turner who pushed for a Do Not Resuscitate order and sought to put Olivia into hospice care.

Turner lied about not having access to private insurance and enrolled her family in Medicaid to pay for giant health care bills. She turned Olivia into a media story, and sought donations for her care, expenses and funeral on fundraising platforms and from charities.
Turner was indicted on 13 counts by the 18th Judicial District Grand Jury in October 2019.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo prosecuted the case with Senior District Attorney Valerie Brewster.

“This is not a perfect justice by any means,” Gallo said of the case’s resolution, “but it is in the interest of justice. This plea recognizes some level of accountability for this vile, unthinkable years-long crime.”

“There is no plea agreement or trial outcome that can atone for what was done to Oliva during her short seven years of life,” Brewster said. “But today guarantees that there will be a permanent record and a recognition of what she endured; Olivia deserves at least that.”

18th DA investigator honored by anti drug-trafficking group

An investigator with the District Attorney’s Office of the 18th Judicial District has been named 2021 Instructor of the Year by the Rocky Mountain High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

Investigator Matthew Wittner was honored at an awards ceremony Dec. 14.

The Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area supports law enforcement through collaboration, research and analysis. In addition to promoting multi-agency drug intelligence development, HIDTA provides federal, state and local law enforcement officers with professional training courses.

Wittner was recognized for his efforts in teaching effective drug enforcement techniques in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

“My office strives to recruit and retain the best staff in every category, including our 22 investigators. Those men and women have extensive law enforcement backgrounds and remain POST-certified. They are a resource for our agencies and our attorneys,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “We know what an amazing group we have, and it is no surprise for outside groups to recognize that, as well. Matt brings his professionalism and experience to work with him every day.”

Wittner joined the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in April 2019. Prior to that he had a successful career with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, leaving as a sergeant. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Northern Colorado.

The HIDTAs operate under the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The Rocky Mountain HIDTA was established in 1996 and includes parts of Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. Its mission is to “facilitate cooperation and coordination among federal, state and local drug enforcement efforts to enhance combating the drug trafficking problem.”

The Rocky Mountain HIDTA executive board consists of 23 members (10 federal, 13 state/local) and works with more than 130 agencies.

Left to right: RMHIDTA Executive Director Keith Weis; RMHIDTA Training Manager Pat Long; Mike Wittner and his wife, Claudia; RMHIDTA Executive Board Chairman Special Agent in Charge David S. Booth, ATF; and RMHIDTA Training Coordinator Taylor Redding.

19 people indicted in drug-distribution ring

At a news conference Dec. 1, the District Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial District and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced the grand jury indictments of 19 people in connection with a drug-distribution ring. Two other related defendants were identified and arrested after the indictments.

The 20-count indictment from the 18th Judicial District Grand Jury outlines how the defendants distributed large quantities of controlled substances — including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl – throughout Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver and Jefferson counties.

The DEA began its investigation in April 2021. The grand jury found that defendant Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 30, of Thornton, coordinated the drug shipments and deals from Mexico. The fentanyl is believed to have been manufactured in Mexico, smuggled into the United Sates and eventually brought to Colorado. Rivera-Beltran is being held on $1 million bond.

“These indictments are an example of how my Organized Crime Unit is able to prosecute those who traffic illegal drugs in our communities and neighborhoods,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “These are people who peddle deadly substances. And where we find the illegal drug trade, we usually find illegal weapons. We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to prosecute these criminal organizations.”

“This investigation is not about the amount of drugs seized or number of people arrested,” said DEA Denver Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky. “This investigation demonstrates and corroborates the alarming trend in counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl flooding our streets, as well as the continuing nexus between drug trafficking and violent crime impacting our communities.”

These are the defendants, who will prosecuted in Douglas County District Court:

Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 2021CR1057
Samuel Padilla-Romo, 2021CR1059
Jesus Tarango-Rodriquez, 2021CR1061
Misael Acosta-garcia, 2021CR1063
Martin Ivan Trevizo, 2021CR1065
Austin Peterson, 2021CR1067
Christian Beltran-Beltran, 2021CR1069
Gustavo Labrador Valderrama, 2021CR1071
Luis Jacob Zytacua, 2021CR1073
Amanda Fair Wynn Bidgood, 2021CR1075
Juan Francis Sarabia-Mancinas, 2021CR1076
Anita Kay Bateman, 2021CR1077
Miguel Diarte, 2021CR1079
Brayan Osiel Gonzales-Mancinas, 2021CR1080
Jorge Escamilla, 2021CR1081
Antonio Lorenzo Escamilla, 2021CR1083
Ernestina Angela Montoya, 2021CR1085
Cesar A Ortiz, 2021CR1087
Alberto Sanchez Rodrigquez, 2021CR1089
Adrian Santana, 2021CR1091
Nancy Vargas, 2021CR1093

Charges range from racketeering and conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act to drug distribution and money laundering. The top counts are Class 2 felonies.

Criminal charges are merely a formal accusation that an individual has committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

STEM School shooter will spend rest of his life in prison

The man who plotted and carried out a mass shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch – killing student Kendrick Castillo and wounding six students in the process – was sentenced Sept. 17 to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 1,282½ years.

Devon Erickson

Douglas County District Court Judge Theresa Slade sentenced Devon Erickson, 20. He was found guilty June 15 of all 46 criminal counts against him after a 12-day jury trial.

Castillo was killed and six other students were shot at the school on May 7, 2019. Two additional students in neighboring classrooms were also injured.

The prosecution team consisted of Chief Deputy District Attorney George Brauchler, Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo, Chief Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Gleason and Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Wilcox.

The jury convicted Erickson of:
• 1 count of first-degree murder after deliberation
• 1 count of first-degree murder, extreme indifference
• 1 count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after deliberation
• 6 counts of attempted first-degree murder after deliberation
• 25 counts of attempted first-degree murder, extreme indifference
• 1 count of second-degree arson
• 1 count of conspiracy to commit second-degree arson
• 1 count of providing a handgun to a juvenile
• 1 count of third-degree burglary
• 1 count of conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary
• 1 count of theft
• 1 count of conspiracy to commit theft
• 1 count of possession of a weapon on school grounds
• 1 count of criminal mischief
• 1 count of conspiracy to commit criminal mischief
• 1 count of interference with school staff
• 1 count of reckless endangerment

Felon who shot at DougCo deputies sentenced to 48 years

A felon who shot at Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies from a stolen car as they were trying to pull it over was sentenced to 48 years in prison.

Peirce Langewisch

Douglas County District Court Judge Theresa Slade sentenced Peirce Langewisch, 22, to the maximum prison time allowed under the plea agreement.

“You don’t get to shoot at law enforcement officers and get a slap on the wrist,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “He was committing crimes, and when the deputies moved to intercept the car he was in, he escalated the situation and put passersby as well as deputies in danger. For that, he will be incarcerated for a lengthy time.”

The Sheriff’s Office monitored the case closely.

“The job of a law enforcement officer has become increasingly more dangerous, especially with individuals like this who blatantly, for no apparent reason, just shoot at the police. He needs to understand the ramifications of his actions,” said Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock. “We welcome the sentence in this case and are extremely grateful to all those who worked so hard the last few years to bring the defendants to justice.”

On Nov. 27, 2018, Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies spotted a possible stolen vehicle that ran a red light about 3 a.m. on South Broadway. When they followed the car, it began weaving and accelerated, reaching speeds of between 100 mph and 120 mph on C-470.

Other deputies assisted in trying to stop the car. Near Park Meadows mall, Langewisch, the rear-seat passenger, fired a gun at deputies, who returned fire. The car attempted to elude deputies by racing through residential neighborhoods – with shots coming out of the back window — until it crashed on Dry Creek Road near I-25.

As deputies tried to take the occupants into custody, the suspects did not obey commands and deputies shot at the car. The driver, Nicholas Ryan, 19 was killed. The front seat passenger, Jason Sutton, 21, was injured. Langewisch was not injured and was taken into custody.

The investigation revealed the three were in the stolen vehicle and stealing from mail boxes and cars before the deputy spotted them. Ryan gave Langewisch the gun during the incident, and Langewisch admitted to detectives that he shot at the deputies as Ryan tried to elude them.

The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office determined the deputies’ use of lethal force was justified.

Sutton pleaded guilty Oct. 11, 2019, to one count of vehicular eluding, a Class 5 felony; and one count of first-degree trespassing of a vehicle, a Class 5 felony. Other counts were dismissed a part of the plea agreement. He was sentenced to three years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Langewisch pleaded guilty March 1, 2021, to two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony; and one count of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, a Class 6 felony. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Dawson prosecuted the cases with Deputy District Attorney Joel Zink.

During the sentencing hearing on July 9, Zink noted Langewisch’s previous criminal history, as well as numerous incidents since he had been in the Douglas County jail.

“This defendant has made his intentions clear: As soon as he is released, he plans to go out and do the exact same kinds of things that put him behind bars,” Zink said. “There is no remorse, contrition or any interest in rehabilitation on his part. The maximum sentence allowed is appropriate.”

Man gets 36 years in prison for Castle Pines murder

A Castle Rock man who shot and killed his partner in a black market marijuana scheme was sentenced to 36 years in prison.

Dominique Wogan

Douglas County District Court Judge Patricia Herron sentenced Dominique Wogan, 35, to 36 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for the murder of Fletcher Bodnar, who was 36 when he died and was living in Highlands Ranch.

A jury found Wogan guilty of second-degree murder in Bodner’s death on March 11, 2021. He was also convicted of illegal cultivation of marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He was also a previous felon in possession of a firearm.

“Colorado has a regulatory framework for people who want to legally grow and sell marijuana,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “But this defendant did not follow that path and instead set up an illegal operation. And despite being a prior felon, he had a gun the day that Mr. Bodnar came to speak with him.

“This defendant ran a black-market marijuana operation, illegally possessed a gun as a prior felon, and took another man’s life in cold blood. He deserves to spend significant time in prison for his actions.”

On May 15, 2020, Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies were called in to assist Castle Pines Emergency Services with a homicide at a home in the gated community.

The investigation revealed that Wogan had been growing marijuana in the home, where he was staying with permission of the owner. Bodnar was helping him and had come to the home that day to discuss the operation.

At some point, Wogan shot Bodnar.

Wogan claimed after the shooting and at trial that he was entitled to a “Make My Day” defense, which gives a homeowner immunity for shooting an intruder. During trial, numerous text messages from the defendant to Bodnar were introduced, which showed that Wogan had invited Bodnar over to fight. By finding Wogan guilty, the jury agreed with the prosecution that Bodnar had been invited and that Make My Day did not apply.

During the July 1 sentencing hearing, several friends and family of the victim asked the judge to impose a long sentence on Wogan, including Bodnar’s fiancé. She told the judge she felt “broken” since Bodnar’s death.

“I had a life I had planned with Fletcher. He was my life, my soulmate, my everything. Now everything has changed. I still don’t sleep well, and work is difficult. … I don’t know how to move on,” she said. “It’s not fair for someone to take a life and have the possibility to be free again. Fletcher doesn’t get that opportunity.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Dawson tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Dan Warhola. Dawson asked the judge for the maximum sentence of 48 years in prison during his sentencing argument.

“This was a two-time felon – he did 12 years after 2 burglaries,” Dawson said. “This 2-time felon should not have had a gun, but he did that day, and he used it to shoot Fletcher. No matter how much time the court imposes, one of these families will get to see their son and their brother again someday. One of these families won’t.”

Judge Herron spoke about the role drugs played in the murder and acknowledged that only two people were in the room when the fatal shot was fired.

“These two were friends,” she said. “It’s hard for this court to fully appreciate how this victim was a threat. He came in unarmed.”
Herron imposed a sentence of 36 years in prison. Sentences on the lesser charges run concurrent to the homicide charge.

Jury convicts STEM School shooter on all counts

The man who plotted and carried out a mass shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch – killing student Kendrick Castillo and wounding six students in the process – was convicted of all 46 criminal counts against him.

The Douglas County District Court jury returned its verdict June 15 against Devon Erickson, 20, after a 12-day trial before Judge Theresa Slade.

Castillo was killed and six other students were shot at the school on May 7, 2019. Two additional students in neighboring classrooms were also injured.

“May 2, 2019, was every parent’s absolute worst nightmare … I cannot imagine the terror these young students went through, being locked in a room, ambushed by two killers with murder in their hearts,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “But for all the killer wanted to be the name that was remembered, his name will be forgotten. The name that we remember in this community is Kendrick Castillo. We remember all the brave young students who sprang into action.”

He added: “This case broke our hearts. It tore at the fabric and the soul of this community. But today was a day of reckoning; today was a day of accountability. It was a day of justice. I hope this verdict is another step toward healing for this community.”

Sentencing was set for Sept. 17. The mandatory sentence in Colorado for an adult convicted of first-degree murder is life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“This is justice in the way the system can provide justice,” Brauchler said. “But I’m going to leave here and go home and have dinner with my kids and hug them and think about the fact that Kendrick’s parents are going to get in their car and drive to a gravesite. … We really can’t bring justice to what happened to them.”

Report of April 3, 2021, shooting in Douglas County

Review of the fatal shooting of Samuel Yeager by Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Lippolis on the Happy Canyon off-ramp from northbound Interstate 25.

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