William Thalley's stories about shooting his three-year old don't convince Denver DA

If William Thalley has been aiming for a career as a novelist or screenwriter, he probably should reconsider. After all, the stories he's told about shooting his three-year old in the leg haven't been deemed believable by his most important audience -- the Denver District Attorney's Office. At first, Thalley...

By Michael Roberts

December 2, 2009

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If William Thalley has been aiming for a career as a novelist or screenwriter, he probably should reconsider. After all, the stories he's told about shooting his three-year old in the leg haven't been deemed believable by his most important audience -- the Denver District Attorney's Office.

At first, Thalley and Nicole Fernandez, the child's mother, told police the boy had been winged during a drive-by shooting -- but cops soon concluded the incident had actually taken place at the couple's home.

Next, Thalley reportedly claimed he accidentally shot the tot after removing his gun from a drawer with the intention of killing himself. But that's been a no-sale, too. The DA has charged Thalley with attempted first degree murder and three menacing counts, and accused Fernandez of being an accessory to the crime.

One more dubious explanation and he'll score a trifecta. Look below for more details.

CHARGES FILED IN SHOOTING OF THREE-YEAR-OLD BOY

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has formally charged a man and woman in connection with the shooting of their three-year-old son on November 22, 2009.

William Thalley (10-17-80) is charged with attempted first-degree murder (F2), child abuse (F3), and three counts of menacing (F5).

Nicole Fernandez (02-08-1984) is charged with accessory to crime (F5).

The charges allege that Thalley shot the boy during an argument he was having with Fernandez and that Fernandez later tried to help cover it up. The defendants first indicated to police that the child had been shot by an unknown male suspect at Morrison and Lowell Road. After further investigation by the Denver Police Department, Thalley was arrested, suspected of shooting his son in their home.

The defendants remain in custody in the Denver County Jail; bond is set at $275,000 for Thalley and $150,000 for Fernandez. The defendants are scheduled to appear in Denver County Court, room 472W, on December 3, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. to be advised of the charges.

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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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