Mile High Murder, No. 45: Chopsticks & Sushi owner Yan De Yang arrested in restaurant shooting

The murder at Chopsticks & Sushi Restaurant, which caused hours' worth of traffic closures yesterday afternoon in the vicinity of the 16th Street Mall, was startling enough. But try on this development for size: The Denver Police Department has announced that Chopsticks' owner, Yan De Yang, 40, has been arrested...

By Michael Roberts

October 23, 2009

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The murder at Chopsticks & Sushi Restaurant, which caused hours' worth of traffic closures yesterday afternoon in the vicinity of the 16th Street Mall, was startling enough. But try on this development for size: The Denver Police Department has announced that Chopsticks' owner, Yan De Yang, 40, has been arrested for investigation of first-degree murder. The DPD is continuing to look into the case, but they say no one else was involved in the shooting. That comment's cold even for a sushi bar.

Look below for the DPD's latest release:

The Denver Police Department continues to investigate the shooting homicide which occurred on October 22, 2009, at 1630 Welton Street. Detectives arrested Yan De Yang (40 years old), owner of Chopsticks and Sushi Restaurant, for investigation of Murder in the First Degree. Detectives will present their case file to the Denver District Attorney for consideration of formal charges within the next several days. There are no other suspects involved in this incident.

The victim remains unidentified at this time pending identity confirmation and notification of next-of-kin. The Coroner's office scheduled an autopsy on the victim to determine the cause and manner of death.

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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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