What a quick turnaround. This weekend, the Denver Police Department released information about a hit-and-run that killed Lillian Verdonkschot, 49, near the Burger King at 6th Avenue and Broadway, the area captured in the graphic above (if you have problems seeing the image, click "View Larger Map"). The report said Dawn Marie Gonzales, 23, was being held in Denver Jail for investigation of first-degree murder. Moments ago, however, the DPD issued a new release, this time stating that charges against Gonzales have been dropped. Get the latest after the jump:
June 1 DPD release:
The Denver Police Department has dropped all charges against Dawn Marie Gonzales, pending further investigation. The investigation into the homicide that on occurred May 29, 2009 in the Burger King parking lot located at 6th Avenue and Broadway is ongoing. Information will be released as it becomes available.
May 30 DPD release:
On May 29, 2009, at approximately 2:32 a.m., members of the Denver Police Department responded to the parking lot of the Burger King located at 6th Avenue and Broadway Boulevard on a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian. Upon police arrival, officers located a female victim, later identified as Lilian Verdonkschot, (49), suffering from injuries consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. Through the investigation, detective learned that the driver of the suspect vehicle appeared to strike the victim deliberately. Paramedics transported the victim to the Denver Health Medical Center where doctors pronounced her deceased at 7:00 a.m.Detectives identified a possible suspect vehicle and located that vehicle in Boulder County, Colorado at approximately 3:00 p.m. on May 29, 2009. Detectives continue working to identify the occupants of the vehicle.
On May 30th, 2009, at approximately 3:00 A.M. Denver police arrested Dawn Marie Gonzales, (23) in Adams County, Colorado. Ms. Gonzales is currently in the Denver City Jail for investigation of Murder in the First Degree.
Due to a continuing investigative need, photographs are not available. Investigators further request that the media refrain from showing any likeness of the suspect electronically or in print.
