Bozonier was run down by a vehicle before being beaten by a group of people who were then confronted by another batch of individuals before fleeing. But Officer Matt Barnes, public-information officer for the Thornton Police Department, warns that it's premature to assume the incident was gang-related.
"We've not had any information to indicate that so far," says Barnes, who points out that the TPD has not yet officially identified Bozonier -- although he concedes that the teen's family has already done so. "We're keeping all of our options open and not ruling anything out.
"We've had several witnesses come forward, and we have interviewed several of those witnesses," he continues. However, "we're still looking for additional witnesses. We don't believe all of them have come forward. So today, we're looking to identify the people who were probably present during this altercation."
The other new development? A more complete description of the vehicle that struck Bozonier, as well as a photo of a piece that broke off it.
"It was a small, white, four-door sedan," Barnes says. "It should have one or both of the rear side windows broken up and there should also be damage to the front windshield. And it's described as having a small spoiler on the back and be missing a small part of the front fairing -- the front bumper."
Look below to see a photo of the piece left behind and the original TPD press release:
Homicide -- 2000 Block of Dichter Court, ThorntonOn 02-15-10, at approximately 1:26 am, Thornton Police Officers were dispatched to the 2000 Block of Dichter Court, in reference to a large disturbance at that location. Upon arrival officers located a 16 year old male suffering from blunt force trauma injuries to the upper body and head. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the victim was allegedly struck by a vehicle in the 2000 block of Dichter Court, at which time several occupants of that vehicle exited and began physically assaulting the victim. Witnesses indicated that several other parties were also engaged in a physical confrontation in the vicinity of the victim during the assault.
The suspects are described as Hispanic males 17-23 years of age.
The suspect vehicle is described as a light colored, 4 door sedan, with a dark colored front fender.
The cause and manner of death is pending an autopsy by the Adams County Coroners office.
The victim's name is being withheld pending notification of family.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-(STOP) 7867.
