Steamboat Today: District attorney nearing decision in Lopez case

Archive for Thursday, March 12, 2009

Oldham could determine next week whether to file charges related to fatal altercation

By Zach Fridell Originally published March 12, 2009 at midnight, updated March 12, 2009 at 9:49 a.m.

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U.S. Army/Courtesy

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard Lopez.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated from its original version, clarifying in the headline that District Attorney Elizabeth Oldham is determining whether to file charges in the death of Sgt. 1st Class Richard Lopez.

Routt County District Attorney Elizabeth Oldham said she is reviewing audio interviews and documents related to the Jan. 5 death of Richard Lopez, and she expects to make a decision about filing criminal charges against two suspects next week.

Charles Feldmann, attorney for the two suspects identified only as brothers Eddie and David, said his clients are in Florida but are prepared to turn themselves in to police if charges are filed.

"They have been cooperating with local law enforcement since Day 1," Feldmann said, detailing in a news release that the brothers have turned over physical evidence, including clothing, and submitted to full-body photographs.

Oldham said she will meet with police officers next week before filing any charges.

Sgt. 1st Class Lopez, 37, died Jan. 5 at a Denver hospital of severe head and brain trauma suffered three days prior when Lopez and two friends were involved in a physical altercation with two other men at Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue. Lopez took two hits to the face before suffering a severe blow from hitting the back of his head on the ground, according to the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office.

Police investigated the death of the Fort Bragg, N.C.-based Army Special Forces soldier as a homicide.

Feldmann stated that his clients were acting in self-defense and that Eddie's wife filed a complaint "for the attack and assault that she suffered at the hands of the companion of Sergeant Lopez."