Earl Ryan ends trial early by pleading guilty to killing two-year-old Noah Crookham

As the Darrent Williams murder trial was winding down, another proceeding about an event with tragic consequences -- the trial of Earl Ryan, who allegedly shot and killed a two-year-old boy, Noah Crookham, in 2008 -- was getting underway. But while members of the Williams jury are considering the fate...

By Michael Roberts

March 10, 2010

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As the Darrent Williams murder trial was winding down, another proceeding about an event with tragic consequences -- the trial of Earl Ryan, who allegedly shot and killed a two-year-old boy, Noah Crookham, in 2008 -- was getting underway.

But while members of the Williams jury are considering the fate of accused slayer Wilie Clark at this hour, jurors in the Ryan matter are off the hook. Today, the Denver District Attorney's Office has announced that Ryan has pleaded guilty to lesser but still serious charges -- child abuse resulting in death and second-degree assault, as opposed to first-degree murder and two other counts.

Get the details below:

GUILTY PLEA IN SHOOTING OF 2-YEAR-OLD

A man accused of shooting and killing a 2-year-old boy in 2008 unexpectedly pleaded guilty in connection with the case today, just as his trial was getting underway in Denver District Court.

Earl Ryan (dob: 06-15-68) pleaded guilty this morning to child abuse resulting in death (F3) and second-degree assault (F4). In exchange for his guilty plea, charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault were dismissed.

On October 12, 2008 at about 9:50 a.m., Denver Police responded to the 1200 block of Madison Street on a report of a shooting. The investigation showed that Ryan had fired shots that injured 30-year-old Thomas Crookham and killed 2-year-old Noah Crookham.

Ryan faces up to 28 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections when he is sentenced on May 4, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in Denver District Courtroom 23.

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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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