In recent days, we've learned plenty about the investigation into a slaying last week at a motel on the 9200 block of East Colfax, an area captured in the graphic above (if you have problems seeing the image, click "View Larger Map"). At first, Aurora Police Department reps said they were looking for Shayne Miller, 35, out of concern for his welfare. Shortly thereafter, Miller went from person of interest to arrested suspect; he and a second man, Jesse Dennis Dimmick, were busted in Kansas and charged with various counts related to the death. Now, the APD has identified the victim as Michael Curtis, 25, of Denver. Look below to read the department's accounts to date.
Police Identify Homicide VictimAurora Police are identifying the victim who died at a local motel last week as 25-year-old Michael Curtis of Denver.
Information previously released on September 12, 2009, at 8:20 p.m. Two Suspects Apprehended in Kansas for Motel Murder
Aurora, Colo. -- Aurora Police are announcing the arrest of two suspects wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred at a motel in the 9200 block of East Colfax Avenue on Thursday.
Shayne Miller, 35, was contacted by law enforcement in Salina, Kansas after Miller's photo was circulated by the news media at the request of Aurora Police out of concern for his safety. After receiving a tip involving Miller's whereabouts, Aurora detectives and members of the Salina Police Department went to a motel in Salina where Miller was staying. After meeting with authorities, Miller was taken into custody.
Early in the investigation Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives developed information involving a stolen truck. The truck had previously been reported stolen from Greely, Colorado. The investigation revealed that this truck had been used by the suspects to flee Aurora. Later, Aurora Police received information that this truck was involved in a pursuit with Kansas law enforcement. A manhunt and standoff followed the pursuit before Jesse Dennis Dimmick, 23, was taken into custody by Kansas authorities.
Miller is being held without bond for felony murder and theft by receiving. Dimmick is being held without bond for investigation of murder in the first degree and theft by receiving. Both suspects are expected to be extradited back to Colorado to face charges.
From the time the victim was discovered through this evening MCU detectives worked non-stop and covered leads in two states in order to solve this case.
The Aurora Police Department extends its appreciation and gratitude to those Kansas law enforcement agencies who assisted with apprehension efforts.
Arrest photos of Miller and Dimmick are not available from the Aurora Police Department. As of this time, the victim's identity has not been released.
At a future date MCU detectives will present this case to the Adams County District Attorney's Office.
Information Previously Released on September 12, 2009, at 10:10 a.m.
Late last night, on September 11, 2009, law enforcement located Shayne Michael Miller in Kansas. Miller was found by authorities to be in reasonably good condition. Based on recent developments, Miller's status in regards to this case has changed. He is now considered a suspect in this investigation.
There are no additional updates being released on this investigation by Aurora Police at this time.
Information Previously Released on 9/11/2009 at 3:16 p.m.
Aurora Police are requesting the assistance of the media and the public in locating 35-year-old Shayne Michael Miller. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads authorities to Miller.
Out of concern for Miller's welfare, Aurora Police are making every attempt to locate him. An attempt to locate bulletin has been issued statewide for Miller by Major Crimes Unit detectives.
Miller is described as race - White, height - 5'5", hair - black, eyes - brown. He is believed to be staying in the Denver Metro area. Detectives believe that the motel where the deceased man was found was rented in Miller's name.
Anyone with information as to Miller's whereabouts or persons with information about this case are asked to contact Aurora Police at (303) 627 - 3100.
Information Previously Released on September 10, 2009, at 1:58 p.m.
At approximately 10:45 this morning Aurora Police officers responded to a motel in the 9200 block of East Colfax Avenue after Aurora Public Safety Communications received a 911 call of a man down.
Responding officers discovered a deceased adult Black Male in one of the motel rooms who appeared to have suffered trauma to his upper body. The death is being investigated as a homicide.
Major Crimes/Homicide detectives have responded to the scene and are in the initial stages of the investigation. Patrol officers are assisting by canvassing the area for potential witnesses and evidence.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Det. Mark Yacano at 303.739.6090.
