Marcus Leyba's mug shot speaks volumes about accused lethal child abuser

If anything, that line about a picture being worth a thousand words understates the impact of the just-released photo here, which shows Lakewood's Marcus Leyba while being booked on Thanksgiving for child abuse resulting in death -- the child in question being his three-month old. According to Lakewood Police Department...

By Michael Roberts

December 1, 2009

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If anything, that line about a picture being worth a thousand words understates the impact of the just-released photo here, which shows Lakewood's Marcus Leyba while being booked on Thanksgiving for child abuse resulting in death -- the child in question being his three-month old.

According to Lakewood Police Department spokesman Steve Davis, Leyba made his first court appearance yesterday; he adds that "the investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the DA's office sometime this week." Something staffers will no doubt consider: Leyba was busted two years ago on child cruelty charges. Picture that.

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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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