Take out the papers and the dad: Son says he put father's body in a trash can -- but didn't kill him

You're probably going to make an assumption after reading this item -- and you might be right. But let's take this one step at a time. Quinten Abeyta, 32, lived with his father, Russell, 55, in Colorado Springs. He reportedly told local authorities that he returned home Monday to find...

By Michael Roberts

December 11, 2009

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You're probably going to make an assumption after reading this item -- and you might be right. But let's take this one step at a time.

Quinten Abeyta, 32, lived with his father, Russell, 55, in Colorado Springs. He reportedly told local authorities that he returned home Monday to find his dad dead in a particularly nasty way -- his face looked as if it had been bludgeoned.

So what did he do? Naturally, he put dad in a trash can and waited an hour before calling the cops. He subsequently pointed the finger of blame for the killing at one Tito Ramirez, who may or may not exist. Oh yeah: Quinten, who's currently being held in El Paso County jail on a parole violation, said he was on mental-health meds.

Please, no jumping to conclusions. Not yet, anyway.

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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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