August 5, 2003

Contact:

Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025

JUVENILE CHARGED IN SHOOTING DEATH

Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, Jr. has filed formal juvenile charges against a 14-year-old teenager in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Samuel Burks, Jr. last week.

Eric Coleman (DOB: 7-27-89) is charged as a juvenile with reckless manslaughter (F4) and possession of a handgun by a juvenile (M2).  He appeared in a Denver juvenile court today to be advised of the filing of charges, which is called a “petition in delinquency” in the juvenile system.  He remains in custody pending a juvenile bond hearing.

The charges stem from a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday, July 30, 2003.  The victim, Samuel Burks, Jr., died the following morning at University Hospital.  Coleman is charged as a juvenile, and his identifying information is public record because he has been charged with a class 4 felony.  (A mug shot is not available.)

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