CO CO - Kelsey Berreth, 29, Woodland Park, Teller County, 22 Nov 2018 - *Arrest* #59

[imstilla.grandma]

To read about the first day of the trial, click here . To read about yesterday — the second day — click here .
Frazee trial: Defense questions timeline of surveillance photos

Kelsey Berreth Case

Kelsey Berreth case timeline: Everything we know so far

 

[MsBetsy]

I don't believe that she can legally pick and choose what questions to answer or take the fifth. It's either answer every question or plead the fifth on each question. IIRC JMO

As a witness I'm pretty sure she can pick and choose.
But only if giving an answer will incriminate her.

Imo

 

[PommyMommy]

NOV 5, 2019
Frazee trial: Defense questions timeline of surveillance photos
[...]

When she sat down with Frazee, Huber said he told her he had last seen Berreth on Nov. 22. They had talked the day before about breaking up, but were both good parents to Kaylee. He said he gave Berreth her belongings back. As far as visiting her Woodland Park condo, he explained he had gone to the home on Nov. 22 to pick up Kaylee, but Kelsey wasn’t there, so he ran some errands and returned later that day. They exchanged the child in the alley, he told Huber. He then left, Huber said.

Frazee told her he didn’t have contact with Kelsey later that day, or around 4:30 p.m., Huber said. They talked on the phone later that day — Nov. 22, 2018 — as well as the following three days.

[...]

A few days after Thanksgiving, Frazee received a text from Berreth asking, “Do you even love me?” he told Huber. She said Frazee told her that he tried to reply, but later learned his text didn’t go through.

[...]

Court went into recess at 10:16 a.m. before returning at 10:35 a.m. Reed continued with Huber's testimony.

Huber explained retrieving surveillance video of Frazee and Kaylee in the local Walmart. She said she noticed large crates in the back of his truck.

[...]

Around 4:30 p.m., Patrick called the ranch’s landline and said he was coming but would be late. Sean said he arrived with Kaylee around 5 p.m. and made some food for himself and Kaylee. Afterward, Patrick went outside for some chores and to feed the horses, Sean said. After he came back inside, the family had dessert and Sean’s family left around 7:30 p.m.

When asked, he said he wasn’t sure if Patrick was on his phone throughout the visit. When May asked if Sean saw anything in the back of his truck, Patrick said it was parked out of sight, so he didn’t notice, but it wouldn’t have been out of the ordinary to see a black box in the back of the truck.

[...]

Sean and Patrick’s father passed away on Aug. 28, 2018 and his children were still going through his estate at the time. They still are, Sean said. About $400,000 is at stake, he said, including property.

[...]

May asked when Sean first heard that Berreth was missing, and he said Patrick told him over the phone on Dec. 3. Patrick mentioned that her grandmother was sick, so she may have gone to visit without telling anybody. He also mentioned that she had alcohol issues and had sought help before so she may have gone away to seek more help, but again, without telling anybody. ...

During that call, Patrick also said he’d received a call from Doss Aviation about canceling Kaylee’s health insurance because Berreth hadn’t been working enough.

[...]

When Sean was dismissed from the witness stand, he looked over at his brother, turned his head and rolled his eyes.

[...]

JM walked to the witness stand and introduced himself as a sales and delivery employee at Williams Furniture in Woodland Park. Memmer said he’s also in charge of cameras.

[...]

Just after 11:30 a.m., Investigator Stephanie Courtney with the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office was called to the witness stand. She’s worked with the DA’s Office for seven years and works in the special investigations unit. She was assigned to the case on Dec. 6.

[...]

He used an ATM between 12:42 p.m. and 12:50 p.m., Courtney said. A second photo from the ATM surveillance showed the back of his trunk, which also showed the dog carrier and black tote. The tote has silver clasps on the front.

[...]

Courtney said he doesn’t show up on the surveillance video until 4:34 p.m. as he drove south on Fairview. She noted that the tote in the back of his pickup was now in a difference position. He’s seen on surveillance video taking a right onto Highway 24 to head north toward Florissant.

[...]

 

[NoSI]

Stick a fork in him. He's DONE. MOO

Yup, so very done... The puzzle pieces definitely fit...

 

[katydid23]

Sorry I don't follow....how does a measly $400K
estate- which would be $133,000 each heir-
cause him to want to kill his baby mama?
I don't get it, but you can explain it if you want.
I'm missing the missing links.

To someone like PF, 133k is a huge windfall. He is living with his Mom, and scraping coins together to make ends meet.

He also wanted to get rid of her because he was tired of 'co-parenting' --IMO. I think it annoyed him immensely to have to give up total control of HIS child. He wanted to 'train' her the same way he trained his domestic animals. He didn't need Kelsey getting in his way. JMO

 

[Nudgee]

But was he worried about ANY of the family members seeing it, or just one or two?

I would think he would be more worried about wild animals catching the scent of blood or death and going after the tote if something dead was in there...like a bear

 

[dixiegirl1035]

I don't know about the estate tax law in Colorado, but some states take half, who knows what the federal people take. I think there may be others (brothers, etc) who could make a claim. It is interesting as to how much farms/ranches are worth. Around here most ranches are worth many millions. One tractor is worth 100,000$.

There is no estate tax in Colorado. It is one of 38 states with no estate tax. Also, there is no inheritance tax in Colorado. For the feds federal estate tax EXEMPTION is $11.4 million in 2019.

 

[enelram]

$100K is not really that measly.

Ok, I’ll try to explain MOO

PF is all about what is HIS. The ranch and that estate money (no matter the amount), was HIS.

IMO I think KB wanted to get married, he didn’t. I also think that from what we have heard their relationship was somewhat rocky at times. I don’t know if KB ever mentioned moving away with the baby, but there is a good chance PF thought it could happen, regardless.

KB was NOT taking the baby away from him, she was HIS. If KB took the baby, she would want custody and he would have to pay support with HIS money.

Also, his sister was trying to possibly get him removed from getting his share of the estate money (again IMO as her attorney asked KB for dirt on him). In his mind what if he made KB mad and she gave EF dirt on him, he would lose HIS money. Can’t let that happen. I’d almost bet KB told him she did not want to get involved in the family dispute. But he could not trust her.

I think the timing of his dad’s estate proceedings (Sept 2018) and his alleged first solicitation are tied together.

Again, all IMO.

Thanks for trying to explain but I think we'll just have to wait and find out what the prosecutors tell us. Wonder if they give the details on the will and who got what in the estate?
I'm wondering if PF wasn't getting the bulk of
the estate proceeds (the ranch) and MaF got
a Life Estate meaning she could live there as long as she lives.
Sister and Bro Sean would perhaps fight that
distribution. PaF probably felt guilty about
PF not having a father in his life after the divorce and PaF knew he wanted to be a rancher and left the bulk to him. IDK just trying to figure out why the family fight.
My guess is sis and bro were left out of will or close to it.
But still why did PF Kill KB? and how is the will related to that?

 

[Seattle1]

Sorry I don't follow....how does a measly $400K
estate- which would be $133,000 each heir-
cause him to want to kill his baby mama?
I don't get it, but you can explain it if you want.
I'm missing the missing links.

I'm not placing any value on dad's estate as PF's motivation to kill KB either.

As to the wrongful death suit against PF (and his inheritance), the law of the land determines what property and assets are protected from wrongful death suits.

Many states have strong "homestead" laws that protect one’s primary home from creditor / judgment collections as well as defendant's retirement and inheritance.

MOO

ETA: Good example if OJ...

 

[MemPat]

RECAP - TWEETS FROM THE LUNCH BREAK

740 KVOR on Twitter
Day 3 of the Patrick Frazee trial. The court heard from a forensic expert with the D.A. Surveillance footage shows Frazee at Berreth’s door carrying an unidentified object. The defense argues the shadows may distort the perception of the images.
11:46 AM - 5 Nov 2019

Vicente Arenas on Twitter
Colorado Springs Police officer brother of murder suspect Patrick Frazee testifies in the death case of #kelseyberreth. Described advising Frazee to hand over his cell phone in a fast food restaurant parking lot. @KDVR @channel2kwgn
12:02 PM - 5 Nov 2019 from Teller County Courthouse

Lance Benzel on Twitter
UPDATE: #PatrickFrazee arrived late and missed T-day dinner at mother’s house, arriving about 5 p.m., says his brother, Colorado Springs police officer Sean Frazee. #KelseyBerreth @csgazette
12:04 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Lance Benzel on Twitter
This matches up with window from surveillance at #KelseyBerreth’s condo, which allegedly spotted him 11 times between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. that day. Takes 20-30 minutes to get from Woodland Park to mom’s Florissant ranch #PatrickFrazee
12:06 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Lance Benzel on Twitter
At the family home, Sean Frazee describes a nice evening with his kids and brother’s toddler. “He brought Kaylee in and we played with her and got to enjoy #PatrickFrazee #KelseyBerreth
12:07 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Lance Benzel on Twitter
Says #PatrickFrazee told him before #KelseyBerreth was reported missing that they were separated. “Our discussion was sometime before that. ... He just said that they had not been together for a while.” @csgazette
12:07 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Lance Benzel on Twitter
Sean Frazee also acknowledged ongoing dispute among him, his sister Erin Frazee and #PatrickFrazee over late father’s estate worth $400k, including Mom’s house. In successfully warding off objection by defense, DA Dan May says “financial pressures” are part of case #KelseyBerreth
12:09 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Lance Benzel on Twitter
Another significant witness was DA investigator Stephanie Courtney, who walked jury thru surveillance vids from 4 locations showing #PatrickFrazee together with baby and #KelseyBerreth before they arrive at Berreth’s place together about 1:30 p.m.
12:12 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Lance Benzel on Twitter
A camera at Williams Log Home Furniture spotted #PatrickFrazee again at 4:36 p.m., driving away from #KelseyBerreth’s condo — with the black box in bed of pickup reoriented from how it was four hours earlier. @csgazette
12:14 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Ashley Franco on Twitter
Out on a lunch break. We just heard Sean Frazee, #PatrickFrazee older brother testify against him. Catch up on the case with me over on @KKTV11News Facebook for a live conversation about what's happened so far. So you in about 10 minutes! #KelseyBerreth
12:13 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Carol McKinley on Twitter
#PatrickFrazee's big brother, Sean, takes the stand. Explains Thanksgiving Day 2018, even though the family ate at 3 pm, Patrick didn't show up until 5 with the baby. He also told Patrick to give up his phone when confronted by a cop on 12/4. Sean is a Colo Springs cop. @abc
12:17 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Carol McKinley on Twitter
Defense has a good day with the neighbor surveillance camera footage pointing out that it does no show #patrickFrazee removing a black plastic container from #KelseyBerreth's condo, only a baby. Lots of talk about that box and how it changes places in Frazee's truck cab. @abc
12:17 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
- Sean Frazee, Patrick’s brother, took the stand next. He says the Frazee kids (him, Patrick, Erin) have had an ongoing legal battle for their late father’s assets. He says they’re worth around $400k.
@KOAA #KelseyBerreth #PatrickFrazee
12:21 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
Sean says he hadn’t been close with Patrick in 2-3 years. On Thanksgiving, Sean says Patrick came to dinner about two hours late and parked on the side of the house. Sean says he spent half the time outside doing chores. @KOAA #KelseyBerreth #PatrickFrazee
12:22 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
Sean was with Patrick at a Colorado Springs Five Guys in Dec. 4, when police came to meet for a welfare check on the child. They asked to take Patrick’s phone. Sean says Patrick looked right at him, so Sean (a Colorado Springs police officer) asked for a warrant #KelseyBerreth
12:23 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
The police said they didn’t have one, but that they would get one. Sean says he told Patrick to give it up and he did. On his way out, I saw Sean give Patrick a strong look, then turn his head and roll his eyes. @KOAA #KelseyBerreth #PatrickFrazee
12:24 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
We’ve also heard from another DA’s office investigator. She used surveillance to track Frazee’s whereabouts on Nov. 22. It shows the black tote in the back of his truck was moved between noon and 4:30 p.m. @KOAA #KelseyBerreth #PatrickFrazee
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Jennifer Meckles on Twitter
Prosecution spent a lot of time today talking about surveillance images of #KelseyBerreth and Patrick Frazee on 11/22/18. Especially midday, when Kelsey was last seen shopping at Safeway in Woodland Park, & images of Berreth & Frazee at Berreth’s door w/ their daughter.#9News
12:24 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Jennifer Meckles on Twitter
Sean Frazee, Patrick’s brother, testified today. He said Patrick was late to Thanksgiving dinner at their mother’s home on 11/22/18. Said they spent time together that evening, playing with Patrick’s daughter. Said Patrick stepped outside for a time to do chores.
#9News
12:25 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
Remember, prosecutors say he put Berreth’s body in that tote after beating her to death with a baseball bat. That’s all that stood out to me so far. @KOAA #KelseyBerreth #PatrickFrazee
12:27 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
I'm working on a long write-up about minute-by-minute details we heard in court today. In the interim, I thought I'd do something a little different and share what we've learned about the victim: #KelseyBerreth. #9NEWS

12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
She grew up on a farm in Washington, and moved to Colorado for love. She worked as a flight instructor at Doss Aviation in Pueblo.
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
Here are some nice words her boss said about her: “She received plenty of accolades and positive reinforcements from students who just loved to fly with her.”
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
I know this has come up multiple times because of other evidence during the trial, but it's worth mentioning that it seems like #KelseyBerreth loved Starbucks.
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
Here's a pretty cute quote about that from her mom: “Kelsey liked coffee. She liked caramel macchiatos, that was the diet drink, and when it was in season, pumpkin spice lattes.”
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
Even more than coffee though, everyone agreed she loved her daughter, who is about 2 years old. Here's what Kelsey's mom said: “[Her daughter] is … Kelsey’s life. Her world revolved around [her daughter]. She was a great mom.”
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
More than anything, I'm learning that #KelseyBerreth was a regular person -- a lot like my friends. Here's a quote from her mom that sums that up fairly well: “She needed a good night sleep, she needed to spend her time with God and she needed to go running,”
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Allison Sylte on Twitter
Remembering the victim during these trials is important. I put together a short preview with some tidbits about Kelsey, since inevitably, a lot of the trial coverage will focus on the suspect.
Who was Kelsey Berreth? Portrait of mom, pilot and daughter emerges at trial
12:26 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Jennifer Meckles on Twitter
Sean Frazee testified he barely knew Kelsey Berreth while Kelsey and Patrick were in a relationship. Said he and his brother weren’t particularly close in recent years. Said the Frazee siblings had some issues with each other regarding their late father’s estate
#9News
12:27 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Jennifer Meckles on Twitter
(1) Sean Frazee said he was w/ Patrick, after Kelsey was reported missing, at 5 Guys when police approached Patrick and asked for his phone. Sean, a CO Springs Police Officer, asked if they had a warrant. Sean testified the officers did not, but said they would get one.
#9News
12:29 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Jennifer Meckles on Twitter
Who was #KelseyBerreth ? Here are a few things we learned from her family and co-worker this week:
https://www.9news.com/article/news/investigations/kelsey-berreth-murder-case/who-was-missing-colorado-mom-kelsey-berreth/73-6ae10e08-6ddf-4e9b-8af8-1cff96f52183 …
#9News
12:34 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
He has the child with him quite a bit, but you can’t tell if he’s coming or going based on the photos
12:42 PM - 5 Nov 2019
(In reply to the question: ...at what point does he bring The child out with him? Is the child inside the whole time and only appears when he leaves?)

Carol McKinley on Twitter
Police believe #PatrickFrazee hid #kelseyberreth ‘s body inside after they say he killed her. Frazee’s sister is in the courtroom. His mom is outside perhaps waiting to testify. @abc
12:44 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
She’s only caught on surveillance at Safeway, on the Williams Furniture Store camera driving back to her home and then once at her door with Patrick. That’s all in the noon hour
12:44 PM - 5 Nov 2019
(In reply to: Curious how many times Kelsey was on the surveillance camera on that day.)

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
Nope. Not sure on sentencing yet — but definitely no recording for trial
12:44 PM - 5 Nov 2019
(In reply to: Are they recording at all for after the trial? Will there be a way to watch jt after sentencing? I know no live reporting just curious about after.)

Lance Benzel on Twitter
A major point I haven’t put on Twitter : at no point is #PatrickFrazee seen with the black tote at #KelseyBerreth’s door. Investigator suggested camera didn’t always activate. Also, there’s a slotted fence partially blocking view. @csgazette
12:49 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Elise Schmelzer on Twitter
Prosecutors have been working to establish a timeline of where Patrick Frazee was on Thanksgiving 2018 and what he was doing. We've gone through a lot of surveillance footage today that show him at #KelseyBerreth house a little after noon and then again around 4 p.m.
12:51 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Elise Schmelzer on Twitter
Last known image of #KelseyBerreth was taken by neighbor's surveillance cams. Shows her, Frazee and their young daughter gathered in the doorway of her condo.
12:52 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Daniela Leon on Twitter
Patrick Frazee’s brother Sean Frazee taking the stand. He says his brother was late for Thanksgiving dinner and didn’t see him until 5. He says he wasn’t close to him. There’s also an ongoing family dispute between Frazee children over family assets
12:58 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Stephanie (Butzer) Rose on Twitter
More from the #PatrickFrazee murder trial, day 3:
-Defense notes lack of blk tote in surveillance video of #KelseyBerreth's door
-Frazee's brother details Thanksgiving with him
-Investigator notes significance of positioning of blk tote in Frazee’s truck
http://bit.ly/2PP19Mo

1:33 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Where is @GordianKnot?

Sorry to just pop in without reading all the posts but what strikes me here is that the franch is part of the disputed estate. I hadn't heard that before.

If worry that BabyK would inherit part of that estate isn't a motive, I don't know what would be!! MOO

 

[Ccging]

Thanks for trying to explain but I think we'll just have to wait and find out what the prosecutors tell us. Wonder if they give the details on the will and who got what in the estate?
I'm wondering if PF wasn't getting the bulk of
the estate proceeds (the ranch) and MaF got
a Life Estate meaning she could live there as long as she lives.
Sister and Bro Sean would perhaps fight that
distribution. PaF probably felt guilty about
PF not having a father in his life after the divorce and PaF knew he wanted to be a rancher and left the bulk to him. IDK just trying to figure out why the family fight.
My guess is sis and bro were left out of will or close to it.
But still why did PF Kill KB? and how is the will related to that?

I’m hoping we find out, it’s all so sad.

 

[osu]

I didn’t see it mentioned in the reporters lunchtime tweets, but during KKTV Ashley Franco’s Facebook live, she said that SF testified this morning that when PF first told him that Kelsey was missing he also told him that Kelsey’s grandmother was sick and Kelsey may have went to visit her.

As you recall, this is exactly the same as the tweet *Kelsey* sent to Doss but PF never told police (or CB) that he suspected she could’ve went to her sick grandmothers.

Here’s the link to Ashley’s FB live:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2215942415370782

 

[OhioBlues]

Actually a witness can answer only certain questions, it's the defendant that can't pick and choose.

You are correct. I should have researched it before I posted.

 

[oviedo]

$100K is not really that measly.

Ok, I’ll try to explain MOO

PF is all about what is HIS. The ranch and that estate money (no matter the amount), was HIS.

IMO I think KB wanted to get married, he didn’t. I also think that from what we have heard their relationship was somewhat rocky at times. I don’t know if KB ever mentioned moving away with the baby, but there is a good chance PF thought it could happen, regardless.

KB was NOT taking the baby away from him, she was HIS. If KB took the baby, she would want custody and he would have to pay support with HIS money.

Also, his sister was trying to possibly get him removed from getting his share of the estate money (again IMO as her attorney asked KB for dirt on him). In his mind what if he made KB mad and she gave EF dirt on him, he would lose HIS money. Can’t let that happen. I’d almost bet KB told him she did not want to get involved in the family dispute. But he could not trust her.

I think the timing of his dad’s estate proceedings (Sept 2018) and his alleged first solicitation are tied together.

Again, all IMO.

Wish we had a CO estate/probate attorney - if he died with a Will - that would guide the division of assets especially if he was unmarried at death. If he died intestate (without a Will) CO intestate succession would prevail - I'm sure it is laid out in the statutes for CO. But "getting dirt" on a beneficiary likely would not have cut him out IMO - it's pretty matter of fact without a Will - assets go according to the succession and if in CO - it's his children in equal shares IF he is unmarried. My guess is that if they were fighting over his assets - there isn't a Will and someone wanted more than their share - all JMO. but of course, a CO probate lawyer here would be awesome.

 

[girlhasnoname]

You are correct. I should have researched it before I posted.

No worries, we've batted that around a few times here.

 

[Dave F.]

I don't know about the estate tax law in Colorado, but some states take half, who knows what the federal people take. I think there may be others (brothers, etc) who could make a claim. It is interesting as to how much farms/ranches are worth. Around here most ranches are worth many millions. One tractor is worth 100,000$.

................and he used a tractor for? Just asking. I thought he was a cattle raiser and farrier, but I could be wrong.

 

[katydid23]

I wonder how good the defense is at cross examination. That makes all the difference in the world with these cases.

A good defense attorney can make juries discount or dismiss important evidence. A bad defense attorney can help the prosecution. I hope we can get some detailed reporting about the defense and their crosses.

 

[The Night Watchman]

Sean and Patrick were distant at best. Why were they at 5 Guys? What a damn lucky coincidence that Sean happened to be with Patrick when the police showed up.

What transpired with Sean allowed LE to get Patrick's phone without a warrant.

It is certainly possible that Sean had prior knowledge of LE coming to 5 guys when he was with Patrick. What Sean said to Patrick convinced Patrick that his brother had his back- "do you have a warrant?", resulting in Patrick lowering his guard.

Then Sean said something a lawyer would not say- "give it up".

LE may not have been able to get a warrant for the phone at that point, and the phone may have disappeared soon after leaving the burger joint. Interesting.

BTW- thanks for the timely posts. I am enjoying the trial info, on the path to getting some justice for Kelsey and her family.

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
Sean was with Patrick at a Colorado Springs Five Guys in Dec. 4, when police came to meet for a welfare check on the child. They asked to take Patrick’s phone. Sean says Patrick looked right at him, so Sean (a Colorado Springs police officer) asked for a warrant #KelseyBerreth
12:23 PM - 5 Nov 2019

Sam Kraemer on Twitter
The police said they didn’t have one, but that they would get one. Sean says he told Patrick to give it up and he did. On his way out, I saw Sean give Patrick a strong look, then turn his head and roll his eyes. @KOAA#KelseyBerreth #PatrickFrazee
12:24 PM - 5 Nov 2019

 

[katydid23]

................and he used a tractor for? Just asking. I thought he was a cattle raiser and farrier, but I could be wrong.

My grandfather had a large dairy farm, and had a few tractors. My uncles had cattle ranches and they also had tractors. They used tractors for various jobs and for small crops they grew to help support the ranch.

 

[Dave F.]

Wish we had a CO estate/probate attorney - if he died with a Will - that would guide the division of assets especially if he was unmarried at death. If he died intestate (without a Will) CO intestate succession would prevail - I'm sure it is laid out in the statutes for CO. But "getting dirt" on a beneficiary likely would not have cut him out IMO - it's pretty matter of fact without a Will - assets go according to the succession and if in CO - it's his children in equal shares IF he is unmarried. My guess is that if they were fighting over his assets - there isn't a Will and someone wanted more than their share - all JMO. but of course, a CO probate lawyer here would be awesome.

I am not a lawyer, but have been a heir in the same probate court of El Paso county.
There is no tax on inheritances in the range of this testimony. With a properly written, current and filed will there are no problems and no room to contest. My personal opinion is that the deceased was no financial wizard, and may we have died intestate. What we have is a strong case of much ado about nothing. IANAL, JMO