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Slaying motive elusive

'Very active' probe in killing of prosecutor

Judi Villa

Published August 29, 2008 at 11:45 p.m.

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Crime scene tape hangs outside Sean May's home in Denver's Highland neighborhood.

There are flowers on the steps near where the Adams County prosecutor was gunned down Wednesday.

"Our prayers go out to the family," a note says. "You will always be in our hearts."

But two days after May, 37, was shot and killed outside his home, police still couldn't say why. And no arrests have been made.

"Obviously, it's a very active and ongoing investigation," said Denver Police Detective John White. "We're going to make every attempt to identify this individual who is responsible."

May was shot in the head and abdomen around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday. He left behind a wife who is six months pregnant with their first child.

Immediately, speculation began about whether May was a random victim or targeted because of his job. May had worked for the Adams County District Attorney's Office for seven years. He was a prosecutor in the child victim's unit until about two months ago when he was promoted to oversee county courts.

White said Friday police still haven't determined a motive. Officials at May's office wouldn't say if he had been threatened.

Police described the shooter as an Anglo or Hispanic male in his early 20s. He is 5 feet 11 inches, with a medium build, dark medium-length hair and a dark moustache and goatee. The man was seen running north of May's home after the shooting.

Krista Flannigan, the prosecutor's director of community partnerships, said May was an "incredibly bright young man," a graduate of Stanford and the University of Virginia.

But, more than that, he was well-respected, Flannigan said, a man of "incredible integrity and humility."

"He was very well-respected and liked as a friend here in the office," Flannigan said. "He was a great mentor and teacher to many."

Fund for May

* A "Sean May Memorial Account" has been established at Wells Fargo bank. Contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo in the country. Cash or checks (made payable to the "Sean May Memorial Account") may be mailed or delivered in person. The family has requested that contributions to the fund be made in lieu of flowers.

Comments

  • August 30, 2008

    4:11 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    happymike44 writes:

    This is a sad day for the justice system.
    When people shoot and kill someone for the job they do.
    When they catch these guys I hope they fry like two eggs in the sun.
    To the family I am truly sorry that tragedy has touched your lives.
    May you know the feeling of justice being served for this horrific crime.

  • August 30, 2008

    4:58 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    DaveFC writes:

    "Illusive!?" It's spelling ability that is elusive over there at the Rocky.

  • August 30, 2008

    11:33 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dgnews writes:

    "illusive" - I don't blame the writer, these things happen, but how did the editors let that slip by?

  • August 30, 2008

    4:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    lcs067 writes:

    Oh, my god, is anyone managing the shop or did all the staff take off for the holiday weekend? Not only are many of today's headlines mismatched, but that we be "elusive." As in - "I think the RMN staff is elusive this weekend."

  • August 31, 2008

    1:43 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    HerbToEarth writes:

    I'm with those who see the misspelling of "elusive" as the real crime.

  • August 31, 2008

    7:42 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    mdynan42 writes:

    HerbToEarth, lcs067, dgnews and DaveFC--are you kidding me? Did you just read this story? The family and friends of this person, unfortunately, will be reading the story and your inane comments. Get a grip on reality and back off the mechanics.

  • August 31, 2008

    9:27 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    HerbToEarth writes:

    Some of my best friends are mechanics, md.