Denver police arrested two boys — ages 12 and 14 — on suspicion of first-degree murder after detectives say the youths shot and killed a 33-year-old man in the Sunnyside neighborhood late last month.
What investigators say happened
Police say the June 30 incident began in the 4300 block of North Pecos Street, where investigators believe the man, identified in police accounts as Christopher Nabors, confronted the juveniles after finding them breaking into or attempting to steal his vehicle. Detectives have described the confrontation as the immediate lead-up to the shooting.
The two boys were taken into custody on July 1 after Denver officers located them in a stolen vehicle and the youths fled when officers attempted a traffic stop. The juveniles have not been publicly identified because of their ages.
Related incidents under review
Denver police also allege the 14-year-old suspect was involved in a separate shooting about 15 minutes before the Sunnyside homicide. In that earlier incident, the 14-year-old and two other juveniles shot a fourth juvenile near Park Avenue and East 20th Avenue. That victim was injured but survived, according to agency statements.
Detectives are continuing a separate homicide inquiry tied to similar circumstances: in the early hours of June 24 in the 15000 block of East Olmsted Drive, Jacob Lopez, 19, was fatally shot, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner reported. Police say investigators are examining whether the cases are connected.
“We offer this warning, in no way to shame the victims for their attempts to protect their vehicles, but to bring awareness to this disturbing trend and to encourage everyone to call 911 if they see something suspicious or a crime in progress,”
— Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, July 2 statement
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 24 | Homicide in 15000 block of East Olmsted Drive; victim Jacob Lopez, 19 |
| June 30 | Sunnyside shooting in 4300 block of North Pecos Street; 33-year-old Christopher Nabors killed |
| ~15 minutes before June 30 shooting | Shooting near Park Ave & E 20th Ave; juvenile injured |
| July 1 | Two juveniles (12 and 14) arrested after being spotted in a stolen vehicle |
Community impact and guidance
The arrests and linked incidents have prompted a public warning from Denver police urging residents not to physically confront suspected car thieves. The department emphasized calling 911 when witnessing suspicious activity or crimes in progress.
- Two juveniles, 12 and 14, arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder.
- Shooting victim in Sunnyside was 33-year-old Christopher Nabors.
- Police investigating connections to other shootings, including June 24 killing of Jacob Lopez, 19.
As detectives continue their inquiries, investigators have not released additional details about motives or whether the suspects will be tried in juvenile or adult court. Neighbors and community groups in Sunnyside and surrounding areas are likely to watch the case closely as it moves through the criminal-justice process.
News Block will follow court filings and police updates and report new information as it becomes available.
