Colorado voters may decide if 1st-degree murder defendants get bail

Colorado lawmakers want to change the state constitution so that first-degree murder defendants can once again be held in jail without bail. The push comes just eight months after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that all criminal defendants — including those charged with first-degree murder — must be given the chance to pay bail and … Read more

Does Heather Morris, Aurora’s new police chief, have staying power?

Heather Morris pulled into an Aurora parking lot not long before Christmas and eyed the snow-covered pavement with suspicion. The longtime Texan wasn’t sure how to walk through the snow. She called out to another police officer for advice. “He’s like, ‘Keep your balance, don’t lean your weight forward, take small steps and stay away … Read more

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issues 21 pardons, reduces 7 prison sentences

A man sentenced to life in prison for a 30-year-old Pueblo gang killing will be released next month after receiving clemency from Gov. Jared Polis, who on Thursday granted 21 pardons and commuted seven sentences for people in Colorado’s criminal justice system. Polis issued pardons and commutations to people convicted of drug charges, theft, burglary, … Read more