Mile High Murder, No. 1: Arrest of Harrel Gene Keeling Jr. in killing of Miguel Angel Chavez

Last weekend, Miguel Angel Chavez was found dead on the 1600 block of South Ouray Street; he had been shot and run over by a car. Last night, the Aurora Police Department announced the names of two suspects in Chavez's death: Harrel Gene Keeling Jr. and Leland Peter Richardson. A...

By Michael Roberts

May 23, 2009

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Last weekend, Miguel Angel Chavez was found dead on the 1600 block of South Ouray Street; he had been shot and run over by a car. Last night, the Aurora Police Department announced the names of two suspects in Chavez's death: Harrel Gene Keeling Jr. and Leland Peter Richardson. A short time later came a second notice from the Aurora cops: Keeling had been arrested near 35th Avenue and Chambers Road. He's being held without bond on a first-degree-murder warrant. At this writing, Richardson remains at large.

Click "Continue" to see a photo of Richardson and read the original APD release:

Aurora Police Department release:

DATE: May 22, 2009

NATURE: Police Request Public's Assistance in Locating Suspects

Aurora, Colo. - Aurora Police are requesting the public's assistance in locating two suspects wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred on May 17, 2009, in Aurora.

This afternoon, Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives obtained 1st Degree Murder warrants for Leland Peter Richardson, DOB: 12/03/1975, and Harrel Gene Keeling Jr., DOB: 10/30/1975.

Richardson is described as: race - Black, height - 5'10", weight - 230 lbs., hair - black, eyes - brown. A photo of Richardson has been sent along with this news release.

Keeling is described as: race - Black, height - 5'11", weight - 180 lbs., hair - black, eyes - brown. A photo of Keeling has been sent along with this news release.

Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Richardson or Keeling is asked to call MCU Detective Mark Yacano at (303) 739 - 6090.

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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.

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