The family of Megan Trussell, a University of Colorado Boulder student whose death last year was ruled a suicide, says a little-known Colorado law allowed them to seek a review of her case — but that many other families may not even realize the option exists.

Why it matters: A year after her death, the family says gaps remain in how the state notifies families about reviews meant to protect Indigenous communities historically affected by violence.

State of play: The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is reviewing Trussell's death, as required by a state law covering cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous people.

• State Senate Bill 22-125 created the Office of the Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (OMMIR) in 2022 and requires reviews of cold cases involving Indigenous victims, as well as deaths ruled suicides or overdoses under suspicious circumstances.
• OMMIR officials confirmed to Axios Boulder that Trussell's case is the first to be reviewed under the law since it was created.

Catch up quick: Trussell, 18, was found dead near the 40-mile marker on Boulder Canyon Drive on Feb. 15, 2025.

• The Boulder County Coroner's Office said she died from "toxic effects of amphetamine, and exposure to a cold environment," and the death was ruled a suicide.

Yes, but: Trussell's parents have questioned the findings, requesting additional evidence testing and hiring a private investigator.

The family told Axios Boulder they were never informed by local or state agencies that a review was an option after her death was ruled a suicide.

• A family friend notified them almost a year later, suggesting they should request such a review.
• "Like many families, I assumed oversight would automatically occur in complex cases," Trussell's mother Vanessa Diaz told us.

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State officials say the law does not specify that any agency is required to notify families of the option to request such a review.

• "OMMIR's responsibilities are established in state legislation, and the team carries out these duties with professionalism and care, mindful of the sensitivity of ongoing investigations, and the needs of impacted families," said Paula Vargas, a spokesperson for the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice.
• The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department, the initial investigating agency, did alert the state to issue a Missing Indigenous Person Alert for Trussell on Feb. 14, 2025.
• CUPD "routinely collaborates with the appropriate state entities" for such reviews, Nicole Cousins, a spokesperson for CU Boulder, told Axios Boulder.

What they're saying: The law does establish an OMMIR contact to work with families once they are involved in the review process.

• "Engagement with families remains an integral foundation of this process," Vargas said.

The bottom line: Diaz told Axios Boulder that to truly protect Indigenous victims, a better system must be established to let families know what resources are available.

• "Laws intended to protect Indigenous families cannot function if they are not clearly promoted, consistently followed, and transparently implemented," Diaz said.
• "Greater awareness, training, and accountability are necessary to ensure these statutes serve the purpose for which they were enacted."

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Ayuda disponible en español.

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🍺 Bootstrap Brewing in Longmont is merging with Left Hand Brewing's craft beer collective, moving over its production but maintaining its taproom, Axios Denver's John Frank reports.

💰 Former Boulder City Councilmember Rachel Friend is running for county treasurer to replace incumbent Paul Weissmann, who is term-limited.(Daily Camera 🔑)

⚽️ The CU Buffs' Hope Leyba and LSU's Sydney Cheesman of Lafayette were named to the upcoming U.S. U23 National Team training camp. (Buffzone 🔑)

🗳️ The Erie Town Council, in a 4-3 vote, decided to fire town manager Malcolm Fleming, who held the position since 2019. (Daily Camera 🔑)

The news roundup was corrected to reflect that Friend is running not against but to replace Weissmann, who is term-limited.

If you're looking for affordable but inventive Mexican fare, head to Longmont to check out the newly opened Socios.

What to expect: The eatery — which opened Jan. 31 at 829 Main St., just north of downtown Longmont — specializes in birria, a Mexican slow-braised beef dish.

• Get it on everything from tacos and burritos to more original menu options like ramen and grilled cheese.
• Of course, Socios offers other meats, including steak and chicken. Most dishes also come with a veggie-friendly zucchini option.

The vibe: Socios' space is tiny and no frills, with a counter for ordering and a few tables.

• The staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable.

My thought bubble: I went with my favorite southwestern dish and preferred form of economic measurement: the California burrito.

• Socios' version replaced guacamole with green chile for a Colorado twist, and it worked well with the crispy fries and flavorful steak.
• Oh, and it was approximately the size of my thigh.

If you go: Socios is open daily from 11am-9pm.