Beth McCann

District Attorney

Second Judical District

201 W, Colfax Ave, Dept. 801
Denver, CO 80202

720-913-2000
Beth.McCann@denverda.org

News Release

June 6, 2023 Contact: Carolyn Tyler, Communications Director, carolyn.tyler@denverda.org, 720-913-9025

Denver DA Charges Antonio Simpson with Murder

DENVER—On May 20, 2023, Denver Police Department officers responded to a 911 call and found a woman shot in the leg and a man dead in an apartment at 8th and Cherry Street. On June 1, 2023, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner found that the man who was later identified as John Martinez (age 46) died from a gunshot wound. His death was ruled a homicide.

Prosecutors with the Denver DA’s Office today announced that Antonio Simpson (age 34) is charged with one count of first degree murder for allegedly killing Mr. Martinez and with one count of attempted murder and one count of first degree assault for allegedly shooting the woman in the apartment that evening. This is Denver District Court case number 23CR2994.

About the Denver DA’s Office:
Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of the State of Colorado and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission includes the prevention and deterrence of crimes, support of the well-being of victims, participation in the community, transparency, accountability, and improvement of the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

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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.