Steamboat soldier's fatal blow came when head hit ground
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 11:20 a.m., January 6, 2009
Updated 03:30 p.m., January 7, 2009
Sergeant 1st Class Richard Lopez.
The special-forces soldier who died from injuries outside a Steamboat Springs bar suffered the fatal blow when his head hit the pavement, a coroner said today.
Richard Lopez died Monday, four days after he was involved in an altercation outside the Tap House Bar in Steamboat Springs.
Steamboat Springs police are treating the case as a homicide, but say the charges could range from manslaughter on the high end to second-degree assault on the low end.
"From eyewitness statements, it appears he was hit in the jaw — he does have a laceration in his jaw — and he just fell backward in an unprotected fall and hit the back of his head," said Arapahoe County Coroner Dr. Michael Dobersen, who performed the autopsy for Routt County.
"The autopsy was able to see the blow to the chin," Dobersen said. "But the point on the back of his head where he fell and hit the street — that's what is associated with the skull fracture."
Lopez, a decorated soldier just returned from Afghanistan, had been visiting friends in Steamboat with his 16-year-old son, Nick.
He was with two friends at the Tap House on New Year's night when a disagreement erupted. According to police reports, Lopez and his friends wanted to hear a Jimmy Buffett song on the juke box.
Three other guys got in their face over that and put on a Kanye West song instead, Lopez's ex-wife, Shannon Boahn, said.
The disagreement escalated, and once outside the bar, Lopez and a member of the other group confronted each other.
Witnesses said that after Lopez hit the ground, the other guy kept pounding him in the head.
Lopez, 37, died four days later at Denver Health Medical Center.
Captain Joel Rae of the Steamboat Springs Police said it does appear that Lopez died as a direct result of the punch to the jaw.
Still, the eventual charges might range from manslaughter on down to assault.
When someone stabs or shoots another person, it's quite clear the person intended to cause serious harm or death, he said.
"But it's pretty hard to prove that someone intended to cause death when it's a punch to the face. It's very difficult."
Steamboat Springs police know the identity of the suspect, but he isn't yet in custody, and his name isn't being made public, Rae said.
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January 6, 2009
11:31 a.m.
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Squatch writes:
Very sick. Over a damn song. It takes a real big tough guy to jump on someone when they slip and fall and then start punching.
Lopez should have walked away and let the a$$ clowns think Kanye west is cool enough to kill for.
January 6, 2009
11:35 a.m.
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Buckshot_Magee writes:
Hope they die in prison...
January 6, 2009
11:43 a.m.
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happymike44 writes:
Wonder why people will not teach the value of human life.
All over a stupid song and these thugs kill him.
He survived the war in Iraq to be killed by his fellow American citizen.
Well I hope the coward turns himself in at least that would be the manly thing to do.
These boys need to go to prison to endure a long and painful prison sentence.
To watch the world go by them and they have to sit in one place.
So I hope they enjoy that big prison where people more violent then them will be glad to make new friends with them.
January 6, 2009
11:53 a.m.
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leavemealone writes:
Typical of a coward to beat a guy that is unconscious....what a big-bad dude.....NOT
They'll get manslaughter (3 to 5 years).
January 6, 2009
11:57 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
If what she says is true, it should have stopped when he hit his head and was rendered unconscious, sad to see this escalate to the point a man died. I still wonder who threw the first blows as she stated Richard was responding as well. Once he was unconscious, it should have ended regardless.
January 6, 2009
12:08 p.m.
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HSTOWEL writes:
"I hope they do all they can to put this person away," she said.
I agree. What a couple of scumbags.
January 6, 2009
12:14 p.m.
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rdfland writes:
This is better than the Post. The Post does say they have arrested the two who did it, but they were released on bail and have already gotten a lawyer. The Post didn't explain all the actions of that night though.
How sad, and his son is now alone in Steamboat. I hope the two get 20 years for murder, but they will probably get manslaughter. I know the military is involved, so maybe they'll get something a little more strict, but you never know.
I too wonder who threw the first punch, but why keep punching an unconscience person. That's murder if you ask me. It also adds to the stereo-type of the people who listen to hip-hop. Too bad.
January 6, 2009
12:17 p.m.
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buzzman writes:
A real shame-put you life on the line for your country only to be killed by scum your own country harbors--may they rot in prison forever
January 6, 2009
12:19 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
This is a terrible story! A very sad day for our Brothers and The U.S. Army. My condolences to his family and friends.
I hope someone gets life for this...
Go Easy Bro.......
Shannon Boahn:
You have my deepest sympathies on the death of your ex-husband and the father of your son.
January 6, 2009
12:21 p.m.
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gallegoi writes:
Do you think we can get some info on the punks who beat him?
This is what I call good journalism.
January 6, 2009
12:27 p.m.
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BigRich writes:
And what about the Tap House? They have 2 groups getting hostile toward each other and they decide to kick 'em both out at the same time? Even though they left from different doors, did it ever occur to anyone that they may have been parked in the same parking lot? Where were the bouncers to keep the peace while both groups walked to their cars? Good move guys. What the heck did you expect to happen?
The police should have been called to handle the situation and make sure that everyone left peacefully. The person or people who killed Richard Lopez should be brought to justice, but I hope that the liquor licensing authorities in Steamboat take a good, hard look at what happened in this incident.
January 6, 2009
12:29 p.m.
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BigRedCelt writes:
This is so typical of the wanna be thug hip-hop culture. What a bunch of cowards. How many times have you seen news reports or the youtube type videos of an unconcious individual being beaten. I've been in and witness plenty of fistfights in my day. What happened to the fight being over when I guy goes down? No this hip hop culture needs to "finish the job" by shooting or beating an unconcious person. They're cowards and the culture is pathetic.
January 6, 2009
12:40 p.m.
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flyboyjoe writes:
Maybe these two thugs will enjoy their hip hop while in prison getting raped by "bubba" and is buddies.
January 6, 2009
1:15 p.m.
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youngman writes:
Lots of Kanye West fans in prision..I think we should have a little Special Forces reunion in Steamboat....I'm in......
January 6, 2009
1:37 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
The fact that the DA and police are still investigating makes me believe that there are different stories going on. Remember, this story is all second hand, not even from an eyewitness. There is no doubt that the death of a young man, especially one serving the nation, in a bar fight about music is tragic and stupid. However, I will reserve judgment on who started what and who did what to whom until the full facts are reported.
January 6, 2009
1:40 p.m.
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davies writes:
Well this is obviously only one side of the story folks. Plus there appears to have been belligerence on both sides, and the victim seems to have gone back to fight or at least confront. But as with everyone else, if the part about someone beating him when he's down and unconscious proves to be true, that's indefensible.
Gotta disagree with BigRich though: there's not nearly enough information here to put blame on the Tap House. They can't call the police every time patrons start to "razz" each other. They can't stop people from leaving when they want to go. Maybe there's something that could have and should have been done, but it just sounds like 20-20 hindsight at this point.
January 6, 2009
1:45 p.m.
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dirkle writes:
Thooooooog life
January 6, 2009
2:08 p.m.
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MavrickG writes:
hip hop scum, a blight on our state
Gods speed brother soldier! Shame you had to die by the hands of this scum.
January 6, 2009
2:15 p.m.
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BigRich writes:
davies writes: Gotta disagree with BigRich though: there's not nearly enough information here to put blame on the Tap House. They can't call the police every time patrons start to "razz" each other. They can't stop people from leaving when they want to go.
___
A previous story on this incident indicated that Tap House staff kicked both groups out. They left at the same time via different doors. It's not a case of the Tap House people stopping anybody from leaving voluntarily; they forced all of these people to leave at the same time. The people were all apparently being pretty belligerent; that's why they were asked to leave.
A reasonable person would have understood that an altercation outside the establishment was foreseeable under the circumstances. Nobody is suggesting that the police be called when bar patrons "start to 'razz' each other." When razzing starts, bar personnel tell the offending parties to "knock it off." This situation obviously went well beyond that point. The employees felt that this was situation was serious enough to warrant the ejection of at least 5 people. I've been in plenty of bars in my time, but I don't often see a person get thrown out. I don't ever recall seeing a group (much less 2 groups) of people 86'ed. Such a scenario is clearly unusual and is worthy of police attention. That's not 20-20 hindsight, it's common sense.
As others have pointed out, we don't yet have all of the facts in this case. I understand that. I have not pronounced the bar guilty of anything. I simply question the judgment demonstrated based on the apparent facts which have already been reported. My point was:
"I hope that the liquor licensing authorities in Steamboat take a good, hard look at what happened in this incident."
What possible objection could you have to that? Perhaps there were no violations on the bar's part; the licensing people may decide that no action is warranted. On the other hand...
January 6, 2009
2:21 p.m.
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nuggetfan_1 writes:
It's amazing how ignorant people still are. To blame "hip hop" is outrageous. Escpecially when it involves an artist (Kanye West) who doesn't rap about violence or promote it. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. It's unfortunate that this happened and I'm sure there is more to the story. Just because one listens to a certain genre of music does not make them more prone to violence than someone else. Thanks and have a nice day!
January 6, 2009
3:01 p.m.
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davies writes:
BigRich: I didn't see the previous story, and I assumed you were commenting on just the ex-wife's version in this story. Well hopefully with this concerning a homicide, the bar's actions will be thoroughly examined.
January 6, 2009
3:05 p.m.
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bellosfinest writes:
It's funny how everyone on here attacks rap music. Kanye is most popcorn of rap, so the issue is obviously missed. He wears his collar up like he's from the 80s along with pink shirts. He dresses like a A&F ad. I don't know any thugs anywhere that wear that. Those guys should get punished to the full extent. By the way I feel like fighting everytime I hear Jimmy Buffett.
January 6, 2009
3:09 p.m.
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cdmdenver writes:
BEATING SOMEONE WHO IS UNCONCIOUS...
Gets you a LIFE Sentence in any jurisdiction.
Maybe the criminals are "well connected"
and friends of the DA up in Steamboat!
Meaning they will do little or No time, Justice
Colorado style!
January 6, 2009
3:17 p.m.
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sundaychild67 writes:
Nobody realizes how traumatic a closed-head injury can be. Knocking someone unconscious isn't like the cartoons, with the birds spinning around your head. Being unconscious from head trauma is very serious. Fighting is SO stupid, but yet it gets glorified everywhere you look. Idiots watch Ultimate Fighting and think they can do the exact same things without serious injury. And alcohol almost always seems to be involved. When will people learn that walking away from a fight is the best advice of all? Sure, you may be called names, but the chances are so much better of you surviving.
January 6, 2009
3:19 p.m.
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BigRich writes:
davies-
I understand. In fact, until I saw your comment, I didn't notice that the info about the ejections was not included in this version of the story. Both newspapers have done a pretty poor job of reporting on the story so far.
January 6, 2009
3:20 p.m.
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ncmom writes:
Finally someone is getting more of this story out there! Rich was a great guy to the core. He served with my husband in Afghanistan in 06 and was a great American and a hero. He came through a lot when he was shot in the gut and the leg. He went through months of having to wear a colostomy bag and worked himself back into good health. He was nothing but a kind and considerate good-hearted guy with a great sense of humor. He really reached out to us when our son was a victim of mecical malpractice and had a similar diagnosis to his own son.
As to the events of last friday. From what I have heard and know of Rich, I've not heard that he ever even threw a punch. He suffered a terrible head injury from the fall and I've heard that the first punch, that caused him to slip on the ice, blindsided him. He had a fractured pelvis and a collapsed lung...and I'm not sure how you get those from blows taken while standing. They beat him while he was out cold in an act of senseless murder. Rich was a hero a great friend and father and justice must be obtained in his behalf.
January 6, 2009
3:29 p.m.
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Not_Alike94 writes:
I think this is a very sad story and sorry a soldier had to die in his own land. However, I don't think hip hop had anything to do with it especially if the man was rebutting the insults, and defending HIS music as well. Yes it was coward to beat someone while unconscious but you can't say its from music. Its the people who did it not the song. Kanye West isn't even a thug, so you can't blame him.
I listen to rap and I've never been in a physical fight, gang, on welfare or whatever your other stereotypes are. That's like saying country music makes you kill your wife. Its the person not the music.
My prayers go out to this family.
January 6, 2009
3:29 p.m.
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mindingmybiz writes:
I'd be more inclined to blame alcohol than hip-hop...
January 6, 2009
3:36 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
No NOTALIKE, country music makes me drink because my wife left me while I was cheating on her with another woman in the old pick-up truck down by the train station in a pouring rain after telling my boss to take the job and shove it...
January 6, 2009
3:42 p.m.
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Not_Alike94 writes:
Louie, lol I was just making a point to those who said the hip hop culture was scum (and not the crimanals)....
Not trying to be like the people in the story and argue about music...
January 6, 2009
3:43 p.m.
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FU writes:
Jimmy Buffett is pretty horrible though...
January 6, 2009
3:53 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
NOTALIKE, I very much agree with you, my kid listens to hip-hop and he's not out carrying guns and beating up people. Just put in a laugh about country music which I enjoy along with heavy metal and classical. I don't blame the music here as much as I do the sad nature of someone beating an unconscious man. That's tragic and I find it quite disheartening.
January 6, 2009
4:13 p.m.
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Willy writes:
FU writes:
Jimmy Buffett is pretty horrible though...
Take that back or I'll hit you with my parrot head. :)
January 6, 2009
4:24 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
never defended any of those things hillbilly, just said that those like you who are certain they know everything are usually wrong. Unjustified arrogance like yours gives me heartburn.
January 6, 2009
4:29 p.m.
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Not_Alike94 writes:
Louie, I read your comments from yesterdays post (after I poseted the 2nd one) and I do see you have sense...lol I automatically get on the defense on these comments cause the posts get pretty brutal...lol
January 6, 2009
4:40 p.m.
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FredZeppelin writes:
Alcohol + Intolerance = Death
January 6, 2009
4:47 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
NOT_ALIKE, it does get tense at times!
January 6, 2009
5:10 p.m.
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AKuser writes:
Both groups got kicked out of the bar. Sounds like a typical late night bar scene with lots of testosterone that ends badly as they often do. Story sounds pretty suspect, he falls on ice and gets knocked out and then jumped? Where were his friends? Much more likely a brawl ensued that went too far and left one person dead and others heading to jail. A tragedy yes but both sides were probably willing participants.
"hip hop scum, a blight on our state
Gods speed brother soldier! Shame you had to die by the hands of this scum." I am guessing you would be shocked to know that many, many soldiers and marines listen to hip hop. Hope that does not kill your stereotyping.
January 6, 2009
7 p.m.
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girl428 writes:
I live in Steamboat. Our local police force loves to bully kids, and is very ineffective when real criminals act. Visitors frequently come here and party. The tap house back alley has been the site of nasty beatings before. Our DA is really tough, though. If the local police can get their act together and charge the culprits, the courts will go after them with a vengeance. My prayers and thoughts go out to this mans family. The whole town is sick about it.
January 6, 2009
7:05 p.m.
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gkb2008 writes:
Hip Hop and Rap cause more violence and murders than any other entertainment genre in history -- its the American equivalent of Al Qaida and terrorism...
January 6, 2009
7:16 p.m.
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babygirl09 writes:
ok that is really stupid to
kill someone over a Jimmy
Buffett song so stop drinking
get ur life right and God
will forgive you
thanks bunches nikki
January 6, 2009
8:16 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
cowards.
they probably think it gives them 'street cred' now.
what a waste.......
January 6, 2009
8:36 p.m.
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Ydub writes:
I live near Steamboat I know the Tap House and I'm sure the "bouncers" (no such thing here) did everything they felt was necessary to end the confrontation. I certainly hope that the SSPD get's these tourist's back in town and behind bars and I also hope that the usual politics don't stand in the way of yet another serious investigation. I'd like to know where they are from, even the local paper isn't releasing that. At least I hope they are tourist's.
My family's thoughts and prayers are with the Lopez family.
January 6, 2009
8:43 p.m.
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Ydub writes:
Local paper is reporting (55 min ago) that charges might only be 2ond degree assault. Must have been a local with a really big, scary last name...........................
January 6, 2009
9 p.m.
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rudybull writes:
typical of the culture of hip hop music and the people who choose to act out in anger...kanye west... role model. just like these cowards who beat a man when he was down.
January 6, 2009
9:28 p.m.
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benn writes:
You all need to let the facts come out - so far we've only heard that they allegedly beat him while he was down, with the story coming from the victims family.
Why not wait until you hear the results of the investigation prior to asking that the suspects be hung...
January 6, 2009
10 p.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
If the testimony in this story is even approximately true then the charges will be 2nd or 1st degree murder. The case will have multiple defendants all of whom will be facing those charges. Richard Lopez was attacked by a drunken mob and was beaten to death after he slipped and fell. Self-defense will not be accepted as a theory of the defense because the murder victim was unconscious at the time the assault took place.
I reckon the defendants come from money. Bail in homicide cases is usually higher than $100,000. For them to be released on bail, either cash or collateral is required. Don't be too surprised if they come to trial with experienced criminal defense attorneys.
A case like this would usually bring 2nd degree murder charges. 1st degree murder charges are brought when someone is killed during the commission of another crime, in this case, aggravated assault.
Perhaps over a hundred thousand combat vets are coming home with serious head trauma from the concussive effects of roadside bombs and mines. Anyone who is recovering from concussion must take care not to sustain another head injury. Sometimes head injuries may go undiagnosed.
My condolences to the family of Richard Lopez. May justice be done.
January 6, 2009
11:36 p.m.
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NeilT writes:
It sounds like this guy got hit two times, as opposed to being attacked by a drunken mob.
When did newspapers start quoting people (his ex-wife) that were in a different state during the incident?
The coroner is a much more reliable source, since, apparently, an actual eyewitness is nonexistent. By the way, the autopsy hasn't determined anything, yet, because it is not complete and will not be for another 6 weeks.
http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/20...
"Arapahoe County Coroner Mike Dobersen said the full autopsy result won't be available for six weeks, but he provided some details about the nature of Lopez's injuries and the circumstances of his death.
“Basically he died from complications of severe head injuries,” Dobersen said. “The injuries weren’t immediately fatal, but what they do is develop over time. He also developed a really severe pneumonia as well.
“It sounds like he was hit in the face, then hit in the jaw, and had an unprotected fall to the back of his head. That was the severe impact.”
Lopez's only injuries appeared to be to his head, Dobersen said, adding that he did not find evidence that Lopez had been punched or kicked during the assault.
"No broken ribs, no other broken bones, no big bruises or anything like that," he said."
January 7, 2009
12:17 a.m.
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Openminded1 writes:
In all honesty both parties were trying to defend their type of music. I know "Airborne Rangers", they're not likely to back down either. If somebody said that my type of music stinks, than thats it, your opinion. Words were exchanged back and forth. The Ranger could just as easily killed the hip-hopper.
January 7, 2009
4:12 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
HOLIERTHANTHOU, I beg to differ. Although it is sad and wrong to beat an unconscious man, Mr. Lopez was Special Forces. "IF" this man as a Special Forces trained soldier, threw the first blows, and the other responded, it can reasonably be argued one was a highly trained combat veteran, the other in fear of his life responded. We don't know all the facts for sure. But if you are attacked by a highly disiplined soldier, with years of training and combat experence, a member of an elite unit such as the Special Forces, could it not be argued you were in fear of your life? The man slips and hits his head, and the fear you have of this individual drives inside you to make sure he never gets up to continue. I would have stopped after he became unconscious, but I've been in countless fights and although fear is a great motivator, I would have stopped at that point. It's not murder, manslaughter yes, but not murder if the highly trained one initiated the physical assault and the kids responded out of total fear of this individual. His slipping on the ice was most unfortunate, but if he initiated the fight physically, with his training and background against untrained and undisiplined kids, thats not murder by a longshot. It may even be justified if the other side argues they were in fear of their life. No weapons, just fists, one highly trained soldier against two young foolish kids, the soldier suffers an act of fate slipping on the ice, the other two out of fear don't let up. I wish we knew the whole story; either way it is very sad. I want to know how Mr. Lopez responded as the wife says he did, before I pass judgement on the the other two. I agree the fight should have stopped when Mr. Lopez went unconscious, but that myself speaking from years of violence and the ability to turn the switch on and off. Fear can cause people to become animals with no control. There might be a reason the RMN keeps saying the police know who they are but have made no arrests. I wish we knew all the facts. If I attack a couple of kids with my background firmly established as steeped in violence, and fate caused me to slip, and the kids kill me, it can be argued my past and proven record of violence works against me, if the other combatants were kids with no formal record or history of violence. Just a thought on the murder charge. I think the other two might be even charged with lower offenses if this was the case.
January 7, 2009
4:17 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
It may even be argued the fall killed him, not the other two's blows, sounds like he suffered blunt force trama from the fall. Fate can be a mean thing, regardless of how trained or able one may be. Doesn't make this loss of life any less tragic.
January 7, 2009
8:09 a.m.
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breckrider writes:
The Steamboat Springs Police Department is investigating Lopez’s death as a homicide, but that doesn’t mean the two unnamed suspects will face murder charges, police Capt. Joel Rae said.
Colorado law is very specific about the elements that make up charges such as murder, criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter, and last week’s incident may not meet the criteria, Rae said.
“It is a possibility that when all is said and done, lesser charges could be filed,” Rae said Tuesday. “Appropriate charges in the end may be second-degree assault.”
Police have declined to identify the two suspects in the ongoing investigation. The men have not been arrested. They are not from the Steamboat area and have returned home and hired lawyers, according to police
it looks like the da is going to punk out and let these guys off with minimal charges. notice the article said they have already gone back to wherever it is they live. un-believable. these guys should have been charged with at least second degree murder, but wouldn't want to upset the tourist trade in steamboat.
January 7, 2009
8:13 a.m.
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breckrider writes:
The Steamboat Springs Police Department is investigating Lopez’s death as a homicide, but that doesn’t mean the two unnamed suspects will face murder charges, police Capt. Joel Rae said.
Colorado law is very specific about the elements that make up charges such as murder, criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter, and last week’s incident may not meet the criteria, Rae said.
“It is a possibility that when all is said and done, lesser charges could be filed,” Rae said Tuesday. “Appropriate charges in the end may be second-degree assault.”
Police have declined to identify the two suspects in the ongoing investigation. The men have not been arrested. They are not from the Steamboat area and have returned home and hired lawyers, according to police
looks like the da is going to punk out and not charge these guys with at least second degree murder. adnd why won't the police identify the suspects and tell us where they are from? the wyatt earps in steamboat are scared to upset the tourist trade in steamboat so these out of town rich tourist will get a slap on the wrist. my $20.00 bets anyone out there that they are rich texans and that they will walk with probation. any takers
January 7, 2009
8:23 a.m.
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jersey writes:
Nuggetfan_1: Amen! You nailed it and other than offering my sincere condolences to the family for yet another senseless act by a human being (sic) I won't even attempt to add my thoughts in correlation to your post. You said it best!
January 7, 2009
8:29 a.m.
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davies writes:
I don't like rap music, but it's too simplistic to put the blame on it here. Misogynistic, violent rap lyrics are a symptom of what's wrong with our 'street' culture, not an underlying cause. I don't listen to it but my understanding was that Kanye West has strived to elevate the rap genre somewhat anyway.
January 7, 2009
8:53 a.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
Rap is garbage but the music is completely irrelevant to the crime.
If lyrics made people commit crimes then country music, especially the old stuff that I like, would turn a legion of corn farmers into mass murderers.
I saw Kanye West on SNL. He wasn't bad. He can carry a tune. He hasn't killed anyone.
The suspects did the crime, not their music. Try them.
January 7, 2009
8:53 a.m.
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davies writes:
breckrider: If second degree assault is determined to be the appropriate charge, I would guess that the likely scenario is that this was just a street fight in which the victim slipped or fell, and his death was most likely caused from hitting his head on the ground. Entirely possible with fighting and alcohol involved.
Then it's also quite possible that the bit about the victim being beaten while he was down is BS, and the victim's buddy who was injured was most likely in the fight and has some culpability in his friend's death. So he may have made up the part about getting injured trying to protect his fallen buddy, to keep his own butt out of trouble, and/or avoid negative career consequences. I would guess the Army and Navy tend to disapprove of their people getting involved in stupid bar fights, especially when it involves someone's death.
January 7, 2009
8:54 a.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
the only true music: christian polka ;)
January 7, 2009
9:15 a.m.
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Herstory writes:
NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE?!
January 7, 2009
9:28 a.m.
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NotUrFriend writes:
Very sad story. It's terrible that this man served honorably in his duty to this nation only to die at the hands of a coward. What a coward! To beat a man when he's obviousily down.
I have never been one to promote violence unless it was necessary as a means to an ends, but this seemed like such a useless and stupid situation for it to of come about. It was just a song! If it'd been over defending his woman, his child, or his dog I'd understand the reasons of fighting but this seems to trivial.
Its so sad it pulls at my heart. I hope the other party pays the hefty price for this.
I.
January 7, 2009
9:42 a.m.
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benn writes:
You guys are nuts, there is no proof that he was beaten while he was down, just one version of the story from a person who wasn't even in the state. The Steamboat paper has a better story on it, and it looks like he just fell and cracked his head, but he had no indications of being 'beaten upon' while he was down and unconscious.
January 7, 2009
9:44 a.m.
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cdmdenver writes:
Justice Routt County-Steamboat Style
First, Capt. Joel Rae is not an Attorney,
he just plays one in Steamboat!
The DA needs to file appropriate charges,
its up to local Steamboat Residents to make
sure this is done. If the DA does not want
to file appropriate charges and protect
the Tourist Trade, Residents can ask for
an Independent Prosecutor or the FED's
Dept. of Justice to Investigate.
Time to stop the cover up in Steamboat Springs!
There is a Man dead here folks.
January 7, 2009
9:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
breckrider writes:
davies, i was in the navy, staitoned in va. beach, and yeah the shore patrol took a very disapproving view of sailors fighting. but i can't help but believe that if the assailants were locals they would be in jail with much more serious charges than second degree assault.
January 7, 2009
10:35 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Put them all in jail for life, and make them listen to Jimmy Buffet over and over and over until they die in their cells! Punks........ I hope they become Bubba's girlfriends!
January 7, 2009
10:56 a.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
12:27
Bouncers do not keep the peace. They take things in their own hands.
January 7, 2009
11:31 a.m.
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Noia writes:
It reads like Lopez slipped and fell on his own and he wasn't hit until after that. And since the two punches didn't cause internal injuries, let alone the head trauma, the guy who hit him can't be blamed for the death.
IF that's the truth, no one is at fault. It was just an accident that just happened to follow a very stupid disagreement. And since Colorado loves a good tabloid type story, the papers will play it to the hilt.
January 7, 2009
11:40 a.m.
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blizz1850 writes:
Look at this link:
http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/20...
This is in the local paper in Steamboat Springs this morning. There is nothing mentioned of him slipping on the ice.It says he was hit in the face and/or jaw and went down from the hit not the ice. They are also saying there may not be any murder charges filed.
January 7, 2009
11:50 a.m.
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MavrickG writes:
Noia if you believe hitting a man when he is down is ok and that no one is at fault you are ignorant.
These two guys better hope they spend the rest of their lives in jail where their protected.
January 7, 2009
12:09 p.m.
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benn writes:
Mavrick,
Only one person, a distraught ex-wife who wasn't even in the state, says that the suspects beat him while he was down.
Nowhere else does it say that the suspects beat him while he was down. The coroner says it is pretty clear the fall, whether caused by ice or by the fight, killed him. In fact, the coroner points out that the victim had no lasting injuries, besides the damage from the fall. No bruises, no broken bones, nothing... that doesn't seem to corroborate the ex's claim that he was getting pounded while on the ground.
For all we know, the victim threw the first punch, the victim did all the smack talk.
We don't know, so you'd better withhold judgment until more info comes out.
January 7, 2009
12:22 p.m.
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lastdance writes:
My condolences to the family...however it does take two to tango. This can happen to anyone who fights outside of a controled enviroment, the local bar parking lot is not like the octagon in the UFC at all.
January 7, 2009
12:23 p.m.
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davies writes:
IF he was beaten to death when he was down and unconscious, that is murder.
IF he was fighting and died from a fist blow to the head, that is probably manslaughter or assault.
IF he was fighting and died when he fell and hit his head, that is probably only assault at the most.
This story hasn't been fully told yet. This particular article in the RMN is based on what the victim's ex-wife says she was told by the victim's buddy. It is entirely possible if not likely that her version is not what actually happened.
January 7, 2009
1:28 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Just because someone doesn't have broken bones or bruises doesn't mean they didn't sustain injuries or weren't a victim of an assault.
IF, Lopez was blindsided and hit in the same spot as where his head hit when he fell, the coroner can't determine two injuries when only one is apparent.
davies, it might be POSSIBLE that her version is not what happened, but considering her information is from the victim's buddy, it's likely that her version IS what happened!
January 7, 2009
1:42 p.m.
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seeker writes:
What ever the story of the fight ends up to be, Lopez was a decorated and respected Special Forces soldier. He rose in rank and accomplished great things in his military career. He served with honor and distinction; a warrior who suffered wounds in battle and returned to fight again. He is the stuff of which great military men are made.
I thank him for his service and love for his country and offer my condolences to his son, family and friends. You should be proud of this truly brave and heroic man. It is tragic that he died in this way. He deserved better.
January 7, 2009
1:56 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
From the paper in Steamboat, it looks like a preliminary autopsy examination that he was hit twice in the face, and fell and struck his head, no mention of ice, nor blows on the ground, nor any other blows to the deceased. It sounds like he was dropped with two good hits and it was the blow to the head from the fall that killed him. If true, i don't think it'll be murder or manslaughter, just assault. The Steamboat paper makes it sound like it was pretty much fair and square, with a very unlucky fall after the two head shots. Still tragic to see a man who served so bravely and decorated die, but the wife's story doesn't appear to be lining up with the medical evidence. There was no other evidence of any other blows to the man. Maybe this is why there were no arrests. Wish we had a more complete story, thanks for posting the Steamboat site BLIZZ.
January 7, 2009
2:05 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
One other thing I like the Steamboat disclaimer above the comments that they don't condone nor review the comments. Now is that censor free or what? I like you Mr. Boggert, but that is really odd.
January 7, 2009
2:15 p.m.
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AirMax95 writes:
Steamboat Springs? I am pretty sure the other group of guys were white, TRYING to be black.
And just so you know, Kanye West is NOT Rap Music, he may rap, but he is faaaaaaar (ve) from Rap music.
And another thing to learn from this ordeal is knowing when to walk away and just let things go. Whether you beat someone while they are up or while they are down, they still have a chance to die, and I am sure these other guys did expect this to happen.
Are you kidding me? This is how this man leaves the world.....
January 7, 2009
3:19 p.m.
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ColoNative writes:
I think that Bubba is getting a bad rap.
January 7, 2009
4:11 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
How he died is one thing. But to stand over the man and continue to beat him was cowardly and these guys need to go away for a long long time. Louie I hope I didn't hurt anybody's feelings on this post. Ha Ha!!!!!
January 7, 2009
4:15 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
COLONATIVE, Bubba always did get at bad rap, he's just a big lovable teddy bear! LOL!~
January 7, 2009
4:22 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Your right COLONATIVE, Bubba is just a big, misunderstood, lovable teddy bear, trapped in a gladiator's body. LOL!~
January 7, 2009
4:28 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
No, DILLIGAF, the other thread just took a left turn! LOL!~ I don't know however if the medical examination is going to back that up as far as his getting beaten on the ground. Thus far it doesn't look that way. It's looking more like he was clocked and the damage that killed him was from the fall itself. The witnesses statements are the only thing supporting that theory thus far; were they statements from his friends or non-biased bystanders?
January 7, 2009
4:35 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
No, DILLIGAF, it just that thread took a left turn! LOL~ I am beginning to thing this man was hit and clocked out, the medical evidence doesn't point to a beating on the ground at all. Only the witnesses statements support that theory so far. That leads me to ask, were the witnesses friends or non- biased, uninvolved people? We need more information, DILLIGAF.
January 7, 2009
4:38 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
SORRY FOLKS, this thread is running lag and I thought it was me. Sorry for the repeating posts, the RMN is taking a bit of time to post, running slow.
January 7, 2009
4:41 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
This is pitiful RMN, got me, I have to go anyways. You have a slowride Rocky!
January 7, 2009
4:47 p.m.
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my3pugs writes:
Murder = intentionally killing, with deliberation or in the commission of another crime (first degree) or without deliberation (second degree)
Manslaughter = negligent killing without intent or without due care. More of an accident that you could maybe have avoided but someone died.
Criminally negligent Homicide = Being stupid and someone dies.
A street fight in which both participants willingly engage amounts to an acceptance of the risk of fighting which can include rarely death. Assuming that no one set out to kill another, Murder won't be drawn. Assuming that both participants were willing to fight, manslaughter is unlikely to be proven either. But could be.
Negligent Homicide is the most likely of the four to attach if the victim was trying to avoid the fight.
Second degree assault seems to fit, but if the aggressor was sufficiently provoked by the victim, it would be a class 6 felony which draws a fine. if that doesn't apply, the range is 2 to 4 years.
January 7, 2009
5:30 p.m.
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singularity99 writes:
Anyone who continues to punch a defenseless person lying unconscious on the ground is guilty of murder, not manslaughter.
January 7, 2009
5:56 p.m.
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Broncofan85 writes:
It would be sweet to see JAG get involved some how and somehow get him some real punishment.
January 7, 2009
6:09 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
BRONCO, weren't the two who did this civilians? I don't think a Judge Advocate General can do anything.
January 7, 2009
6:58 p.m.
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Toe_nail writes:
Steamboat PD solve a homicide? Get real! You need to check their solved cases record! They need to call in the CBI or at least have CSI from Hollywood make a movie of it!
RIP Sgt.
January 8, 2009
8:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
Grim_Reefer writes:
why the h3ll isn't the suspect in custody?