CO - Tim Watkins, 61, shot to death, Mount Herman, 14 Sept 2017 #1

[Ember123]

First and foremost, to be absolutely clear, I was not seeking to locate, obtain or encourage any discussion or scrutinizing of the autopsy report. My reason for asking if it has been sealed is because of prior legal controversy in CO over that situation.

In Colorado, autopsies are public record. In cases of homicide, the report is not released without the written approval of the DA. http://cor.elpasoco.com/Pages/AutopsyReportRequest.aspx

From the FAQ section at that link: "If a law enforcement agency is investigating the death, you may obtain a copy of that report from that agency. "

Just for reference, there was quite the legal tussle over Jon Benet Ramsey's autopsy report, going as high as the CO Supreme Court.
Coroner wants autopsy secret: http://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon12.htm
Colorado High Court Orders Jonbenet Autopsy Released: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/...et-ramsey-body-about-eight-hours-patsy-ramsey

Given the JBR case, if the powers that be want TW's autopsy report sealed, they could anticipate another legal battle. So did/would they pursue it anyway and if so, why? Would it be due to CO LE not wanting to compromise their own investigation -or- because IN LE asked CO LE not to release details? If the latter, it would be rather telling if an attempt to seal records was influenced by an out-of-state or federal authority. However, no matter which jurisdiction would like to see it sealed, it would seem at most the effort would buy investigators some time as it traveled up through the court system, and the downside would be cost and resources tying it up in court. Unless, of course, there have been cases since JBR's that have changed the CO courts stance on the matter.
This is just my .02.

I would think the latter, CO trying to hush things up at request of IN LE.

 

[kizzykat]

So is TW autopsy sealed as are DN arrest warrants?

I don't know for sure if it's been sealed, so far I haven't been able to locate mention of it in MSM, any news on TW seemed to have gone silent shortly after the arrest of DN, it's difficult to locate an article dated more recently than 3 months ago.


I did find this one this morning, dated yesterday, that mentions TW's death. However the article is about illegal shooting in Pike National Forest:

December 30, 2017
There were concerns recently that mountain biker Tim Watkins had been a victim of illegal shooting after he was found shot to death in September on Mount Herman Road, where a shooting ban has been in place since late 2014. But, according to those who found him, his body was covered by leaves, indicating intentional rather than accidental shooting.
http://gazette.com/pike-national-fo...-keep-it-safe-clean-and-legal/article/1618142

 

[Shiressleuth]

Just recapping what I think the charges are:

Teller
Possession of a weapon by a previous offender

El Paso
Menacing
Reckless endangerment
Trespassing
Failing to register as a

5 felonies altogether. I can only see them dropping the trespassing in any plea bargain because I think they have already dropped the assault charge connected with that.
What do others think? Any lawyers here?

Forgot to add the newest charge of "presenting a false id. " Is that an additional felony or just a misdemeanour? As he is a felon and an unregistered SO it may be classed more seriously than normal perhaps.
:cow:

wishing you all a

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

:fireworks: :balloons:

 

[Daey34]

It would be a class 2 misdemeanor, unless he were charged with criminal impersonation. But I don't believe that he was. Just false identification.

The appearance in Clear Creek states "attorney appearance" on the docket, so I wonder if DN is not attending that hearing.

Forgot to add the newest charge of "presenting a false id. " Is that an additional felony or just a misdemeanour? As he is a felon and an unregistered SO it may be classed more seriously than normal perhaps.
:cow:

wishing you all a

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

:fireworks: :balloons:

 

[foxbluff]

I don't know for sure if it's been sealed, so far I haven't been able to locate mention of it in MSM, any news on TW seemed to have gone silent shortly after the arrest of DN, it's difficult to locate an article dated more recently than 3 months ago.


I did find this one this morning, dated yesterday, that mentions TW's death. However the article is about illegal shooting in Pike National Forest:

December 30, 2017
There were concerns recently that mountain biker Tim Watkins had been a victim of illegal shooting after he was found shot to death in September on Mount Herman Road, where a shooting ban has been in place since late 2014. But, according to those who found him, his body was covered by leaves, indicating intentional rather than accidental shooting.
http://gazette.com/pike-national-fo...-keep-it-safe-clean-and-legal/article/1618142

Thanks so much for finding a new reference to TW. I was unable to get the link to download...prob at my end not yours.

BBM - Was there any mention in this article of TW having been "shot multiple times?" That, to me, is much better proof that this was not an accidental shooting. Tia.

 

[foxbluff]

Is it safe to assume that by late Sept. all leaves that are going to fall have already fallen in Colo.?

 

[kizzykat]

Thanks so much for finding a new reference to TW. I was unable to get the link to download...prob at my end not yours.

BBM - Was there any mention in this article of TW having been "shot multiple times?" That, to me, is much better proof that this was not an accidental shooting. Tia.

No further mention in this particular article about TW, what I pasted is all they mentioned about him.

 

[foxbluff]

How did he get a long way from the trail? He helped create those trails! And why? My suspicions tell me he was chased or led. Poor man!

It breaks my heart picturing what the last hour of his life must have been like. I picture him injured and trying to run for his life.

 

[foxbluff]

Forgot to add the newest charge of "presenting a false id. " Is that an additional felony or just a misdemeanour? As he is a felon and an unregistered SO it may be classed more seriously than normal perhaps.
:cow:

wishing you all a

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

:fireworks: :balloons:

BBM - ??

My best wishes to you and all posters here for a safe and happy New Year.

 

[kkdj]

BBM - ??

My best wishes to you and all posters here for a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you! Happy New Year everyone!

 

[kkdj]

Tim Watkins Obituary

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gazette/obituary.aspx?pid=186731552

Very nice obituary for Tim.

In it, I found this interesting:
In 1987, a severe injury to his feet and ankles had Tim turn to bicycling as a means of physical therapy and healing.

 

[kkdj]

So is TW autopsy sealed as are DN arrest warrants?

https://www.rcfp.org/colorado-open-...ord-categories-open-or-closed/autopsy-reports

https://www.rcfp.org/colorado-open-government-guide/v-procedure-obtaining-records/b-how-long-wait

 

[Shiressleuth]

BBM - ??

google is your friend


:wink:

 

[Shiressleuth]

https://www.rcfp.org/colorado-open-...ord-categories-open-or-closed/autopsy-reports

https://www.rcfp.org/colorado-open-government-guide/v-procedure-obtaining-records/b-how-long-wait

Is an autopsy a public record?

My interpretation:
They can withold it if they want to basically.

Moo cow of course.

 

[Shiressleuth]

It would be a class 2 misdemeanor, unless he were charged with criminal impersonation. But I don't believe that he was. Just false identification.

The appearance in Clear Creek states "attorney appearance" on the docket, so I wonder if DN is not attending that hearing.

Thanks Daey. I wonder if his attorney is appearing because they want it dropped as part of the plea deal?

 

[kkdj]

Is an autopsy a public record?

My interpretation:
They can withold it if they want to basically.

Moo cow of course.

yup. And apparently they are withholding it. Makes me wonder what else is in that report other than multiple gunshots. Why else would they withhold it?

 

[Shiressleuth]

Thanks so much for finding a new reference to TW. I was unable to get the link to download...prob at my end not yours.

BBM - Was there any mention in this article of TW having been "shot multiple times?" That, to me, is much better proof that this was not an accidental shooting. Tia.

The " multiple times" quote is from the gear junkie link on page 1 of the thread.

 

[kkdj]

Thanks Daey. I wonder if his attorney is appearing because they want it dropped as part of the plea deal?

The next Court appearance is normally your First Appearance in front of the actual District Court Judge who will handle your case through either a Sentencing Hearing or through your eventual Trial. Your first Court date in front of the felony court Judge is normally also an Appearance of Counsel date.

 

[Daey34]

Omg
From what I know, he was such an awesome man. This is horrible.

It breaks my heart picturing what the last hour of his life must have been like. I picture him injured and trying to run for his life.

 

[Daey34]

Yes. And in that area, most trees are of the evergreens.

Is it safe to assume that by late Sept. all leaves that are going to fall have already fallen in Colo.?