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

January 19, 2021 Contact: Carolyn Tyler, Communications Director, carolyn.tyler@denverda.org, 720-913-9025

District Attorney McCann Issues Officer-Involved Shooting Letter

Investigation and Decision Re September 15, 2020 Shooting of Mac McPherson

DENVER—Denver District Attorney Beth McCann’s legal review of the officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 15, 2020, in the 2400 Block of South Colorado Boulevard in Denver is complete. DA McCann concluded that the shooting was legally justified and that no criminal charges are warranted against Denver Police Department Corporals Robert Krelle and Anthony Gutierrez-McKain or Denver Police Officer Dennis Liss for the reasons outlined in the letter.

“While, I have little insight into Mr. McPherson’s state of mind other than he appeared depressed, the facts show that these officers were quickly presented with an armed, drunk, and uncooperative person who was reaching for a gun,” said DA McCann. “While a different outcome might have occurred, to ask these officers to wait and see what happened after Mr. McPherson pulled his gun is unreasonable. Under these circumstances, I determine that the use of deadly force was lawfully justified.”

DA McCann will present and discuss her conclusions about this officer-involved shootings during a community meeting on, Tuesday, January 26 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3sgXJTC. Due to the current health pandemic, this live event will take place over Microsoft Teams.

DA McCann’s decision letter to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen is available for review.

 

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