All Access

Denver

Denver Alerts

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters John Frank and Alayna Alvarez.

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Axios Denver

District attorneys across Colorado are taking steps to provide more transparency to the public about how their offices prosecute alleged criminals.

Driving the news: A bipartisan group of eight Colorado district attorneys, including Denver's, unveiled online dashboards this month with case data ranging from defendant demographics and bond decisions to sentencing details and ultimate outcomes. 

Their efforts mark the largest prosecutorial data project nationwide.

Why it matters: Amid nationwide scrutiny of the criminal justice system and an uptick in violent crime, local district attorneys' offices — historically insular institutions — are shedding light on their inner workings.

The stated goal is to address racial and economic disparities and build community trust.

What they found: The dashboards, funded with a nearly $900,000 grant from the Microsoft Justice Reform Institute, are already revealing racial inequities. For example, in most judicial districts, defendants of color were more likely to be held in pretrial detention than white people. 

In several districts, including Denver, white defendants pleaded guilty to less severe charges than Black and Hispanic defendants.

Zoom in: In Denver, violent crime has spiked since 2020, but data shows criminal cases filed by prosecutors have been stagnant since at least 2017 — a source of controversy between the city's police department and DA's office. 

As a result, the first two quarters of this year yielded fewer violent crime charges than at any point in the last five years. 

What they're saying: Police and prosecutors blame each other for the unabated wave of violence.

Denver DA Beth McCann tells Axios she thinks the city's police shortage is preventing a case increase in her office — though she suggested more research is needed. 

Meanwhile, outgoing police chief Paul Pazen has pointed to "ineffective prosecution" and "ineffective adjudication" for failing to curb Colorado's crime.

What's next: McCann tells Axios Denver the data will be updated and analyzed quarterly. Her team is also working to set up an internal dashboard that can be updated in real-time. 

That project is funded for another year, after which prosecutors can apply for additional dollars. 

The big picture: The "simultaneous release of data dashboards by eight offices in the same state is really quite unique — and makes these offices more transparent than the very large majority of prosecutors’ offices across the country," Don Stemen, chairperson of the criminology department at Loyola University Chicago, told Reuters.

Yes, but: The data remains limited because it is submitted voluntarily, varies in detail between judicial districts and dates back just five years. 

Colorado DAs launch public dashboard to build trust, address disparities

Animated illustration of a cursor pulling on the scales of justice.

District attorneys across Colorado are taking steps to provide more transparency to the public about how their offices prosecute alleged criminals.Driving the news: A bipartisan group of eight Colorado district attorneys, including Denver&#x27;s, unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online dashboards" data-vars-click-url="https://data.dacolorado.org/" data-vars-content-id="1837918c-250f-44b8-a1f2-a3e8bc865b03" data-vars-headline="Colorado DAs launch public dashboard to build trust, address disparities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.dacolorado.org/" target="_blank">online dashboards</a> this month with case data ranging from defendant demographics and bond decisions to sentencing details and ultimate outcomes.

News

Politics

Axios Denver, anchored by John Frank and Alayna Alvarez, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

One of Colorado's coldest murder cases is drawing new interest. 

Why it matters: The renewed spotlight on the mysterious and gruesome killing could help detectives finally crack the case and bring closure to the victim's family. 

Driving the news: Popular true-crime podcast "The Deck" recently devoted an episode to the 1975 murder of 23-year-old Marjorie Fithian.

Catch up quick: She was supposed to board a 7:30am bus with her 18-month-old son from downtown Denver to Greeley — but was found shot in the head less than two hours later on a dirt road in northeast Colorado with her baby beside her, holding her hand. 

The 42-minute podcast reexamines each twist and turn using old and fresh interviews but ultimately ends where it began: with no leads. 

What they're saying: "[N]early 50 years have gone by since Marjorie's murder, and some of the stories surrounding her death are as confusing today as they were back then," podcast host Ashley Flowers explains. 

Further complicating the case, authorities say, is the possibility that detectives at the time may not have taken basic steps and followed protocols expected by modern standards, resulting in key information gaps.

Details: Around 9am on June 24, 1975, what first surprised 24-year-old ranch worker Terry Furnish was the sight of a yellow-ish-brown sedan with a ripped, black cloth top barreling down County Road 386 — because the area was seldom-traveled, particularly at that hour.

The second surprise was what he saw up the road, where Fithian lay drenched in blood with a blond baby boy beside her. The rancher called for help and held the toddler until authorities arrived. 

At the crime scene, investigators found little evidence beyond tire marks, shattered glass, Marjorie's suitcase and a spent .25 caliber bullet casing. 

Of note: Fithian traveled from Greeley to Denver to visit her aunt and uncle, who told investigators he dropped Fithian and her son at the bus stop around 7am to return to Greeley. 

He also said when he returned home, he noticed Fithian forgot some of her money, which may have meant she didn't have enough to ride the bus and potentially hitched a ride. 

The bus driver assigned to that route that morning told authorities she never boarded his bus.

The big picture: Detectives spent years on several wild goose chases, following dozens of leads — and making one arrest — but have never come to a conclusion. 

Considering friends described Fithian as a "free spirit, hippie chick," investigators' best guess remains that she hitched a ride with someone — and that person killed her. 

State of play: Byron Kastilahn, Weld County sheriff's investigator working the case today, tells Axios Denver the latest national attention has yet to spur any new tips. 

Nevertheless, officials say the department is grateful for the heightened awareness. 

How to help: Anyone with information about Fithian's murder should call the Weld County Sheriff's Office at 970-304-6464 or contact Detective Kastilahn at 970-400-2827. 

Colorado rural murder mystery gets renewed attention

The spotlight on the mysterious and gruesome killing could help detectives finally crack the case.

Marjorie Fithian and her son, Sage. Photo courtesy of the Weld County  Sheriff's Office

One of Colorado&#x27;s coldest murder cases is drawing new interest. Why it matters: The renewed spotlight on the mysterious and gruesome killing could help detectives finally crack the case and bring closure to the victim&#x27;s family.

Denver's housing market is cooling as rising interest rates push people to hold on to their homes, the latest data from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors shows. 

Why it matters: After years of limited options, ruthless bidding wars and sky-high prices, economic uncertainty is balancing the market in the Mile High City. 

"Homes are still getting multiple offers but there are fewer of them, so buyers have a real opportunity to find a home they love and get under contract," Greg Hriso, real estate agent with Homie Colorado, said in a statement.

For those on the hunt, here are three stunners that just went on sale: 

Why we love it: This 1900s-era Victorian residence boasts the best of both worlds with its historic charm and modern touches. 

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,794 square feet 

Features: Front porch with swing, original hardwood floors, gas fireplace, exposed brick walls, finished basement, flagstone back patio.

1223 South Lincoln St. Photo: Andrew Forino, courtesy of Compass

Why we love it: Interior design takes this Victorian's beauty to new heights, giving new buyers the benefit of a professional stylist's eye upon move-in.

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,811 square feet 

Listed by: Grace Sullivan and Bob Brown at milehimodern 

Features: Ample natural light, designer wallpaper, refinished hardwood floors, pitched ceilings, large backyard with patio, two-car detached garage.

522 South Sherman St. Photo: Rae Barber/milehimodern

Why we love it: Between the custom design, floor-to-ceiling windows, incredible kitchen and massive backyard — honestly, what's not to love?  

Neighborhood: Orchard Hills, in Greenwood Village 

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2,223 square feet

Listed by: Ben Clark and Sarah LaBram Antonellis at milehimodern

Features: Floor-to-ceiling fireplace, basement butler's pantry, five-piece bathroom in primary suite, sprawling entertaining deck, two-car garage.   

9424 East Orchard Drive. Photo: Nate Polta/milehimodern

Hot homes: 3 brand new listings around Denver, starting at $849K

Denver&#x27;s housing market is cooling as rising interest rates push people to hold on to their homes, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dmarealtors.com/sites/default/files/file/2022-09/DMAR_MarketTrendsReport_Sep2022.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d8f9cb3e-390b-4a45-bb20-9a6f3b31a25e" data-vars-headline="Hot homes: 3 brand new listings around Denver, starting at $849K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dmarealtors.com/sites/default/files/file/2022-09/DMAR_MarketTrendsReport_Sep2022.pdf" target="_blank">latest data</a> from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors shows. Why it matters: After years of limited options, ruthless bidding wars and sky-high prices, economic uncertainty is balancing the market in the Mile High City.

Real Estate

Denver's district attorney plans to take "aggressive" action to fight fentanyl dealers as the epidemic of overdose fatalities tied to the synthetic substance worsens statewide. 

Why it matters: In Colorado and across the country, the deadly drug is increasingly putting youths at risk, particularly as they return to school — where they may encounter the opioid laced with other substances, Axios Vitals' Tina Reed writes.

State of play: Denver DA Beth McCann, a Democrat, is asking for $300,500 out of the city's budget next year to add four positions — two investigators and two attorneys — to assist with what she calls a record number of fentanyl-involved cases.

With extra hands — and new teeth from the fentanyl legislation state lawmakers passed earlier this year — McCann is aiming to ramp up "aggressive prosecution" for anyone caught dealing the drug in the city, she tells Axios Denver. 

She'll also increasingly look to grand juries due to their subpoena powers, she says, which can force suspected criminals into court and unlock new evidence, including cell phone data.

Yes, but: McCann supported parts of the highly controversial fentanyl bill that lowers Level 4 drug felonies to misdemeanors if those convicted of possessing between 1 gram and 4 grams of fentanyl go through treatment. 

By the numbers: McCann's office saw case filings involving fentanyl soar by nearly 300% between 2019 and 2021, totaling 340 cases filed. 

In that same period, deaths in Denver involving fentanyl skyrocketed to 312%  with 239 fatalities in 2021, city data shows.

What they're saying: Local health officials say fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills disguised as ADHD or pain medicine, as well as in heroin and powders. 

Unlike some parts of the country, Colorado has not verified any incident of fentanyl laced in cannabis products, Denver health department spokesperson Emily Williams tells Axios. 

Threat level: Multiple Colorado teenagers have died this year from fentanyl overdoses. Last month, a 13-year-old died from an accidental fentanyl overdose during his first week in eighth grade at Aurora Hills Middle School.

Earlier this month, federal officials issued a warning about a new "rainbow" fentanyl pill that could be used to lure teens. The drug has been seized in more than a dozen states.

What's next: Denver City Council members kick off budget hearings today to review funding requests from the 781-page document, including McCann's request for more staff. 

All proposed changes are due back to the mayor by Oct. 11, and council members must approve the budget by Nov. 7. 

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann wages new fight against fentanyl

The DA plans to take "aggressive" action to fight fentanyl dealers, as the epidemic of overdose fatalities tied to the synthetic substance worsens statewide.

Illustration of an hourglass full of pills that have almost run out.

Denver&#x27;s district attorney plans to take &quot;aggressive&quot; action to fight fentanyl dealers as the epidemic of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overdose fatalities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/09/01/fentanyl-fuels-spike-overdose-deaths-denver" data-vars-content-id="df9e4be8-93cb-4f96-b72f-8170ac67ccf6" data-vars-headline="Denver District Attorney Beth McCann wages new fight against fentanyl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/09/01/fentanyl-fuels-spike-overdose-deaths-denver" target="_self">overdose fatalities</a> tied to the synthetic substance worsens statewide. Why it matters: In Colorado and across the country, the deadly drug is increasingly putting youths at risk, particularly as they return to school — where they may encounter the opioid laced with other substances, Axios Vitals&#x27; Tina Reed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/16/americas-fentanyl-problem-teens" data-vars-content-id="df9e4be8-93cb-4f96-b72f-8170ac67ccf6" data-vars-headline="Denver District Attorney Beth McCann wages new fight against fentanyl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/16/americas-fentanyl-problem-teens" target="_self">writes</a>.

Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Chart: Simran Parwani/Axios

Denver dominates as one of the nation's top cities to embrace remote work, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

By the numbers: Nearly one-third of workers ages 16 and older in the Mile High City primarily worked from home in 2021 — outpacing the national average of 17.9%, per the latest American Community Survey released this month.

The share of workers clocking in and out from home put Denver 12th on the rankings of U.S. cities with 300,000 residents or more.

Why it matters: The fresh figures provide one of the most reliable indications yet of the pandemic's impact on residents' work-from-home habits, which have impacted everything from downtown's recovery and public transportation ridership to home prices and tech salaries.

Zoom out: Across Colorado, the percentage of people who worked from home increased from 9% in 2019 to about 24% in 2021. 

Nationwide, the number of people primarily working from home tripled from 5.7% to 17.9% in that same stretch, Axios' Erin Doherty writes. 

What we're watching: What will become of all those shiny center city office towers — particularly since Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is proposing to spend $75,000 in federal aid to conduct a study downtown to explore converting 10 to 15 high-rise office buildings into housing. 

Denver ranks No. 12 nationally for remote workers

Denver dominates as one of the nation's top cities to embrace remote work, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Denver dominates as one of the nation&#x27;s top cities to embrace remote work, according to new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/people-working-from-home.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/people-working-from-home.html" target="_blank">data</a> from the U.S. Census Bureau.By the numbers: Nearly one-third of workers ages 16 and older in the Mile High City primarily worked from home in 2021 — outpacing the national average of 17.9%, per the latest American Community Survey released this month.

Alayna Alvarez

Featured stories

Colorado DAs launch public dashboard to build trust, address disparities

Colorado rural murder mystery gets renewed attention

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann wages new fight against fentanyl

Hot homes: 3 brand new listings around Denver, starting at $849K

Denver ranks No. 12 nationally for remote workers