Reader: Violence in Aurora Is Why I Carry a Gun

Yesterday, we began a headline about two overnight shootings and three deaths in Aurora with the phrase "Spring of Violence." Since the original piece's publication, we covered an arrest in one of the cases: Ken Kaminga is being held without bond for a double-murder at the Sunrise Apartments near 13th...

By Michael Roberts

May 24, 2016

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Yesterday, we began a headline about two overnight shootings and three deaths in Aurora with the phrase "Spring of Violence."

Since the original piece's publication, we covered an arrest in one of the cases: Ken Kaminga is being held without bond for a double murder at the Sunrise Apartments near 13th and Chambers.

But this bust aside, the number of homicides in the community continues to trouble many readers.

How best to respond? This writer's approach involves packing his own heat.

Chris Wentzloff writes:

Less than 1 block from where I currently live...and people wonder why I NEVER leave the house w/o my weapon.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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