Denver has seen several high-profile shootings in the past few months, and there's been speculation that many are gang-related, including the death of Denver police officer Celena Hollis in City Park eleven days ago. Rollin Oliver, the 21-year-old charged with first degree murder/extreme indifference in connection with Hollis's death, was in court this morning.
Oliver waived a formal reading of the charges against him, and the judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for Thursday, August 2 at 1:30 p.m. On that date, prosecutors will attempt to show a judge that there's enough evidence to suggest Oliver committed the crime, and that he should be held without bond, says Denver District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough.
Oliver's defense attorneys could decide to waive that hearing, as well -- or they could ask for a continuance. If it goes forward, however, the lead detective investigating Hollis's murder is likely to testify about the case, Kimbrough says.
Oliver has been charged under the extreme indifference statute. Here's what it says:
Extreme Indifference Statute [C.R.S.A. § 18-3-102(1)(d)]: Under circumstances evidencing an attitude of universal malice manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life generally; (s)he knowingly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to a person, or persons, other than himself, and thereby causes the death of another.
The DA's office has not yet released a photo of Oliver. Investigators urge eyewitnesses or anyone with information to contact Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP [7867]. They particularly want any photos of the crowd.
More from our Follow That Story archive: "Photos: Celena Hollis vigil brings hundreds to City Park Jazz."
Follow me on Twitter @MelanieAsmar
