January 7, 2003

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough,

720-913-9025

CHARGES FILED IN NEW YEAR’S EVE MURDER

Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, Jr. has charged a Denver man with murder today in connection with the death of 26-year-old Michael Garth, Jr. on New Year’s Eve.

Elest Carlos Marquez (DOB: 8-12-72) is charged with first-degree murder after deliberation (F1).

Marquez is being held without bond in the Denver County Jail.  He will be advised of the charge against him on Thursday, January 9, 2003 at 9 a.m. in Denver County Court, room 12T.

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*The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed a crime(s) under Colorado laws.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  See Colo. RPC 3.6 ____________