Denver Jury Finds Michael Close Guilty of Murdering Isabella Thallas in Ballpark-Area Shooting Incident

DENVER—Today, after deliberating for less than a day, a Denver jury found Michael Close (age 38) guilty of murdering Isabella Thallas and attempting to murder Darian Simon when he shot them in Denver’s Ballpark-area on June 10, 2020.

“I am delighted that we were able to get justice for Isabella Thallas and Darian Simon,” said Denver DA Beth McCann. “Moreover, I am extremely proud of our prosecution team for their excellent work.”

Thallas and Simon were walking their dog when Close began a verbal exchange with them over a command they used to have their dog defecate.  Both victims had disengaged from Close and were tending to their dog when Close began shooting. Numerous reports of shots being fired were received by Denver’s Combined Communications Center.

Close was found guilty of one count of first degree murder – after deliberation and one count of first degree murder – extreme indifference, two counts of attempt to commit first degree murder, and two counts of first degree assault. Sentencing was set for November 4, 2022, at 1:30 in courtroom 5H. This is Denver District Court case number 20CR03585.

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