Last of Holly Square Shopping Center arsonists sentenced

Back in May 2008, a group of nine people, including Deangelo Calaway and Mitchell Walker, were upset by an incident that took place at Bash nightclub, not to mention the murder the day before of Michael Asberry, a 2007 Westword profile subject who talked with reporter Luke Turf about the...

By Michael Roberts

February 1, 2010

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Back in May 2008, a group of nine people, including Deangelo Calaway and Mitchell Walker, were upset by an incident that took place at Bash nightclub, not to mention the murder the day before of Michael Asberry, a 2007 Westword profile subject who talked with reporter Luke Turf about the difficulties of escaping from the gang life.

So they decided to burn down the Holly Square Shopping Center.

Bad call. Calaway and Walker have now been sentenced in relation to the blaze, with Calaway earning ten years in stir and Walker the same, although his sentence was suspended in lieu of ten years probation. Their seven comrades had already been sentenced to prison and/or probation for their part in the crime.

A portion of the land where the shopping center once stood was transformed last year into a temporary urban garden. Apparently growth is possible even in a story like this.

Get details about the sentencing of Calaway, Walker, et. al., below:

HOLLY SQUARE ARSON DEFENDANTS SENTENCED TO PRISON
Two of several co-defendants who conspired to burn down the Holly Square Shopping Center in May 2008 have been sentenced.

DeAngelo Calaway (dob: 01-29-89) pleaded guilty earlier to arson (F3) and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Mitchell Walker (dob: 01-02-90) pleaded guilty earlier to arson (F3) and possession of incendiary parts(F4) and was sentenced to 10 years in prison; the sentence was suspended upon successful completion of 10 years of probation.

The Court also ordered $1,986,686.38 in restitution by all of the defendants, including those who were sentenced earlier:

Antwan McCoy (dob: 05-21-88) serving 8 years in prison.

Katsina Roybal (dob: 01-17-89) serving 8 years of probation and 125 hours of community service.

Mario Jennings (dob: 08-04-89) serving 7 years in prison.

Corsia Crosby (dob: 09-24-88) serving 9 years of probation and 150 hours of community service.

Jimmy Hopkins (dob: 06-06-86) serving 8 years of probation 75 hours of community service.

David Tinsley (dob: 09-10-86) serving 9 years of probation, 30 days in the county jail and 150 hours of community service.

Marquise Jones (dob: 08-13-86) serving 9 years of probation and 150 hours of community service.

The defendants were involved in an altercation at a Denver nightclub on May 17, 2008 and later conspired to burn down the shopping center, using glass bottles filled with gasoline and rags.

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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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