Mile High Murder, No. 32: Britt Allan Cox charged in arson death of Bonni Bergin

Yesterday, the Lakewood Police Department announced that it was investigating a house fire last week on West 20th Avenue as a homicide; Bonni Bergin, 49, who'd been renting the home, was found dead inside. Now, the LPD has made an arrest. Brit Allan Cox, 40, has been formally accused of...

By Michael Roberts

August 7, 2009

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Yesterday, the Lakewood Police Department announced that it was investigating a house fire last week on West 20th Avenue as a homicide; Bonni Bergin, 49, who'd been renting the home, was found dead inside. Now, the LPD has made an arrest. Brit Allan Cox, 40, has been formally accused of first-degree murder. He was questioned after the blaze, then busted on Wednesday in a stolen car; he was in custody when officials decided to level the murder charge against him -- and there are likely more charges to come.

Click "Continue" to read the LPD release:

Man Faces Charges in Homicide and House Fire

August 7, 2009

Lakewood police detectives have added a charge of first degree murder against a man who was arrested for motor vehicle theft Wednesday night in Westminster. The murder charge is the result of an investigation into a house fire on W. 20th avenue where the body of 49-year-old Bonni Gilbert Bergin was discovered.

40-year-old Britt Allan Cox (05-13-69) was arrested Wednesday night after he was contacted in a stolen vehicle in the 3300 block of W. 71st Place. Cox has been in the Jefferson County Jail on the stolen vehicle charge since his arrest.

Previously Cox had been interviewed by Lakewood detectives about Bergin's death but had not been arrested. Since the initial interviews, detectives developed enough information and evidence to add the murder charge against Cox. Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Firefighters from West Metro responded to numerous 911 calls at about 10:30 pm on Tuesday July 28, 2009, after neighbors reported hearing an explosion and seeing flames at Bergin's residence on W. 20th Avenue. Bergin's body was discovered as fire crews began their investigation into the fire.

Detectives are asking anyone who feels they may have information about Bergin and/or information that would assist them with their investigation to please call the Lakewood Police Department at 303-987-7111.

A mug shot of Cox is not available yet. Detectives will use it in photo line-ups. Cox's first appearance in court will most likely take place Monday morning.

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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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