News Reports for January 2012
News of the 2010 Annual Meeting
News Reports for January, 2009
News Reports for February, 2009
News Reports for March, 2009
News Reports for April, 2009
News Reports for May, 2009
bullet FOHVAMP Scores Great Media Coverage from News Conference
bullet Cold-case Pursuits vs. Death penalty
bullet House panel votes to abolish death penalty
Families Seek Cold-Case Squads <
Justice Reward Program Launches Tigges $100,000 Poster


News Reports for January 2012

Denver Post
“Denver couple create victims assistance group after son's unsolved slaying in 1975”
January 10, 2012
By Kirk Mitchell
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_19708847


News of the 2010 Annual Meeting

Greeley Tribune
“Slain woman's parents to share their struggle at conference”
October 7, 2010 http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20101007/NEWS/101009802/1002&parentprofile=1001

KKTV.com
“2001 Springs Murder Still Unsolved”
October 8, 2010 http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/2001_Springs_Murder_Still_Unsolved_104605469.html

News First 5
“Families looking for hope and support in Colorado Springs ”
October 9, 2010 http://www.newsfirst5.com/news/families-looking-for-hope-and-support-in-colorado-springs/

KKTV.com
“Friends, Family Gather To Remember Cold Case Victims”
October 9, 2010 http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/Friends_Family_Gather_To_Remember_Cold_Case_Victims_104652369.html

KRDO.com
“Finding The Killers Walking Among Us”
October 9, 2010 http://www.krdo.com/news/25343519/detail.html

Aurora Sentinel
“Victims' families see encouraging signs for Colo. cold cases ”
October 7, 2010 http://www.aurorasentinel.com/hp_recent_headlines/article_34f15b86-d212-11df-821a-001cc4c002e0.html


News Reports for January, 2009

Denver Post
“Bill targets Colorado's death penalty”
January 29, 2009
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_11576540


News Reports for February, 2009

KDVR Denver - Fox31 News
Interview by Deborah Takahara
February 2, 2009, 9pm news
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-death-penalty020209,0,2812157.story

Gazette (Colorado Springs)
“New bill would abolish state's death penalty, move funds to cold-cases”
February 2, 2009
By John Schroyer, reporter
http://www.gazette.com/articles/state_47338___article.html/denver_abolish.html

Denver Post
“Fiscally (and morally) the death penalty is wrong”
February 8, 2009
Editorial
http://www.denverpost.com/editorials/ci_11638962

Aurora Sentinel
“A matter of life and death”
February 19, 2009
By Brandon Johnasson, reporter
http://aurorasentinel.com/articles/2009/02/19/news/doc499dc5ee2fbac484884777.txt

Denver Post
“Cold cases bear worst penalty”
February 19, 2009
By Susan Greene, Columnist
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_11735007

Arizona Daily Star
“State saves by settling for life terms”
February 19, 2009
By Julie Hall, reporter
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/280807

KCNC Denver – CBS4 News
Interview by Terry Jessup with Donna Zuniga, Representative Paul Weissmann
February 22, 2009, 5pm News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lexdwn1UI8I

Rocky Mountain News
“Tears spilled over death penalty bill”
February 23, 2009
By Ed Sealover, reporter
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/24/tears-spilled-over-death-penalty-bill

Denver Post
“House committee approves bill banning death penalty”
February 23, 2009
By Tim Hoover, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_11771168

Colorado Springs Gazette
“House Dems give initial approval to abolish death penalty”
February 23, 2009
By John Schroyer, reporter
http://www.gazette.com/articles/death_48742___article.html/bill_house.html

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
“Bill to end death penalty advances: Legislation would transfer savings to aid in probes of unsolved killings”
February 23, 2009
By Amy Hamilton, reporter
http://www.gjsentinel.com/hp/content/news/stories/2009/02/24/022509_3a_Death_penalty_bill.html

Associated Press
“Lawmakers approve plan to eliminate death penalty”
February 23, 2009
By Steve Paulson, reporter
http://cbs4denver.com/local/cold.cases.death.2.942324.html

KDVR Denver – Fox 31 News
Interview by John Romero with Jacqui Borg
February 22, 2009, 9pm News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAeRtYeokKU

KUSA Denver – 9News
February 23, 2009, 5pm News
By Chris Vanderveen, reporter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZOl3_cBnvo

KCNC Denver – CBS4 News
February 23, 2009, 6pm News
By Terry Jessup, reporter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVo7p9ogtWE

KWGN Denver – CW2 News
February 23, 2009, 9pm News
By Eli Stokols, reporter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbXvY8hU-8s

KTVD Denver – 9News on My20
February 23, 2009, 9pm News
By Anastasiya Bolton, reporter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H84FubJJAas

KUSA Denver – 9News
February 23, 2009, 10pm
By Anastasiya Bolton, reporter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k44CqmQ5R_E

KMGH Denver – 7 News
February 23, 2009, 10pm News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWJBVd0xKmg


News Reports for March, 2009

CNN.com
“Budget concerns force states to reconsider the death penalty”
March 4, 2009
By Emanuella Grinberg, reporter
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/02/economy.death.penalty/index.html

Associated Press
“To execute or not: A question of cost?”
March 8, 2009
By Deborah Hastings
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/To+execute+or+not%3a+A+question+of+cost%3f-a01611811155

KUSA – 9News Your Show
Adam Shrager, host; Representative Paul Weissmann and Attorney General John Suthers debate HB 1274
March 8, 2009
http://www.9news.com/yourshow/article_archive.aspx?storyid=111353&catid=363
http://www.9news.com/video/default.aspx?aid=73167 (video)

Colorado Public Radio
Colorado Matters
Ryan Warner interviews Representative Paul Weissmann and Attorney General John Suthers on HB 1274
March 8, 2009
http://www.kcfr.org/cgi-bin/comatters/comatters_play.asx?play=4727&type=comatters.asx

Boulder Weekly
“Crime and punishment: Can killing Colorado’s death penalty help the state catch murderers?”
March 19 – 25, 2009
By Erica Grossman, reporter
http://boulderweekly.com/archives/20090319/coverstory.html


News Reports for April, 2009

Denver Post
“Group backs bill to abolish death penalty”
April 7, 2009
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12086756

Denver Daily News
“Death penalty foes rally”
April 7, 2009
By Joshua Wolpe, reporter
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=3838

Westword Blogs
“Can abolishing the death penalty help solve cold cases?”
April 7, 2009
By Jessica Centers, reporter
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/04/bill_to_abolish_death_penalty.php

KJCT Grand Junction –News 8
“Man seeks justice after so many years”
April 10, 2009, 5pm News
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10166441

KOA Radio
Interview with Representative Paul Weissmann and Senator Shawn Mitchell
April 14, 2009
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/DENVER-CO/KOA-AM/CMN%2004-14-09%207am.MP3

Denver Post
“Mercy in the name of justice”
April 15, 2009
By Bill Johnson, columnist
http://www.denverpost.com/billjohnson/ci_12142998

Denver Post
“House backs death-penalty demise”
April 16, 2009
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/billjohnson/ci_12152247

Durango Herald
“House votes to end death penalty in Colorado”
April 16, 2009
By Joe Hanel, reporter
http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/2009/04/16/House_votes_to_end_death_penalty_in_Colo/

Colorado Springs Gazette
“Single vote gives death-penalty opponents victory in House”
April 16, 2009
By John Schroyer, reporter
http://www.gazette.com/articles/penalty_52187___article.html/death_eliminate.html

Colorado Springs Gazette
“On death row”
April 16, 2009
Editorial
http://www.gazette.com/opinion/death_51964___article.html/row_convicted.html

KJCT Grand Junction – News 8
“GJ Family: Abolish death penalty, solve cold cases”
April 16, 2009, 5pm News
By Don Coleman, reporter
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?s=10199001

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
“Death penalty repeal bill still close call in House, King says”
April 17, 2009
By Gary Harmon, reporter
http://www.gjsentinel.com/hp/content/news/stories/2009/04/17/041809_3A_Death_penalty.html

Associated Press
“Colo. House votes to eliminate death penalty”
April 21, 2009
By Steve Paulson, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12190841

Colorado Springs Gazette
“Single vote gives death-penalty opponents victory in House”
April 21, 2009
By John Schroyer, reporter
http://www.gazette.com/common/printer/view.php?db=colgazette&id=52187

Daily Camera –Boulder
“Mother of Boulder cold-case victim hopeful for new task force”
April 21, 2009
By Vanessa Miller, reporter
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/apr/21/sid-wells-cold-case-death-penalty/

Westword Blogs
“Bill to abolish death penalty passes House; Senate's next”
April 21, 2009
By Jessica Centers, reporter
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/04/bill_to_abolish_death_penalty.php

KCNC Denver – CBS4 News
“Fight to solve 26 year-old cold case”
April 21, 2009, 10pm News (lead story)
By Shaun Boyd, reporter
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=56111@kcnc.dayport.com

Denver Post
“Death penalty dealt blow”
April 22, 2009
By John Ingold, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12195165

Denver Post
“Praise for a torn man voting”
April 23, 2009
By Bill Johnson, columnist
http://www.denverpost.com/billjohnson/ci_12195588

Daily Camera –Boulder
“Eliminating death penalty in Colorado the right move”
April 23, 2009
Editorial
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/apr/23/colorado-death-penalty/

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
“Legislature shouldn’t kill state’s death penalty”
April 24, 2009
Editorial
http://www.gjsentinel.com/hp/content/news/opinion/stories/2009/04/24/042609_6B_death_edit.html

Denver Post
“Death penalty, R.I.P”
April 26, 2009
By Vincent Caroll, opinion
http://www.denverpost.com/carroll/ci_12213258

Pueblo Chieftain
“DA backs elimination of death penalty”
April 26, 2009
By Patrick Mallone, reporter
http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2009/04/26/news/local/doc49f3ef6620526349371519.txt

The Steamboat Pilot
“Death penalty debate lingers”
April 26, 2009
By Brandon Gee, reporter
http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2009/apr/27/death_penalty_debate_lingers/

Denver Post
“DA says end death penalty”
April 27. 2009
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12233956

Westword Blogs
“Is the death penalty worse than life in the hole?”
April 28, 2009
By Alan Prendergast, reporter
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/04/is_the_death_penalty_worse_tha.php

Yourhub.com – Boulder
“Colorado attitude toward death penalty uneasy”
April 28, 2009
CU News Service
http://denver.yourhub.com/Boulder/Stories/News/General-News/Story~608965.aspx

KRDO Colorado Springs – News 13
“Senate Committee Passes Death Penalty Bill”
April 29, 2009
By Stephanie Wurtz, reporter
http://www.krdo.com/Global/story.asp?S=10275297

Denver Post
“Divide over death row at State Capitol”
April 30, 2009
By John Ingold, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12258421?source=rss

Durango Herald
“Panel votes to end state executions”
April 30, 2009
By Joe Hanel, reporter
http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/2009/04/30/Panel_votes_to_end_state_executions/

Colorado Springs Gazette
“Bill advances to abolish death penalty”
April 30, 2009
By Dean Toda, reporter
http://www.gazette.com/articles/death_52682___article.html/penalty_bill.html

Associated Press
“Senate committee backs eliminating death penalty”
April 30, 2009
By Colleen Slevin, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12253420
http://cbs4denver.com/local/seat.belts.colorado.2.997762.html
http://www.kdvr.com/news/sns-ap-co-xgr--deathpenalty,0,3225172.story
http://www.krdo.com/Global/story.asp?S=10271849
http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=293431
http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/44035442.html
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10271276

Greeley Tribune
“Time to kill the death penalty”
April 30, 2009
Editorial
http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20090430/OPINION/904309995/1029/NONE&parentprofile=1025

KMGH Denver – 7 News
“Measure would divert money used for prosecuting death penalty cases to cold case investigations”
April 30, 2009
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/19329386/detail.html

Valley Courier – Alamosa
“AG Suthers reviews priorities”
April 30, 2009
http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=12840


News Reports for May, 2009

Denver Post
“Colorado death penalty bill up for another vote”
May 1, 2009
By Associated Press
http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_12271450

Denver Post
“Death penalty repeal wins again at Capitol”
May 1, 2009
By John Ingold, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12271663

KUSA Denver – NBC
“Colorado death penalty bill heads to full Senate”
May 1, 2009
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=113794&catid=339

Denver Post
“Ritter needs to speak up on death penalty”
May 2, 2009
Editorial
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_12275074

Aspen Times
“Colorado death penalty bill headed to full Senate”
May 2, 2009
By Associated Press
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20090502/NEWS/905029995/1058

Examiner.com
“Colo. may end death penalty to focus on cold cases”
May 2, 2009
By P. Solomon Banda (AP)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1994119~Colo__may_end_death_penalty_to_focus_on_cold_cases.html

Topeka Capital-Journal (AP)
“Scrap death row, solve cold cases”
May 2, 2009
http://cjonline.com/news/2009-05-02/scrap_death_row_solve_cold_cases

Daily Camera – Boulder
“Ritter mum on death penalty stance”
May 2, 2009
By Michael Davidson, reporter
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/may/02/ritter-mum-on-death-penalty-stance-in-broomfield/

The Hutchinson News
“A capital idea”
May 2, 2009
By Davina Jamison, editorial board
http://www.hutchnews.com/Editorialblogs/idea

KOAA Colorado Springs – News 5/30
“Colorado death penalty bill moves forward”
May 2, 2009
http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x551455706/Death-penalty-bill-moves-forward

Omaha World Herald
“Death penalty pits costs vs. closure”
May 3, 2009
By Paul Hammel, reporter
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10625079

KCNC Denver – CBS4 News
“Colorado may end death penalty to focus on cold cases”
May 3, 2009
http://cbs4denver.com/local/Death.Penalty.Bill.2.999942.html

KMEG Sioux City, Iowa
“Colorado may end death penalty to focus on cold cases”
May 3, 2009
http://www.kmeg14.com/Global/story.asp?S=10293915&nav=menu609_2_4

Denver Post
“Colorado’s death penalty lives on”
May 4, 2009
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12293393

Denver Post
“Foes of death penalty hope to revive bill”
May 4, 2009
By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12289498

Colorado Springs Gazette
“Senate rejects death penalty repeal”
May 4, 2009
By Dean Toda, reporter
http://www.gazette.com/news/death-52950-repeal-state.html

Vail Daily News
“Bid to eliminate Colorado death penalty in trouble”
May 4, 2009
By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090504/NEWS/905049922/1062

New York Times
“Death penalty repeal fails in Colorado”
May 4, 2009
By Kirk Johnson, reporter
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/us/05colorado.html?_r=1&ref=global-home

Telegraph UK
“Colorado plans to abolish death penalty and focus on unsolved murders ”
May 4, 2009
By Tom Leonard, reporter
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5273589/Colorado-plans-to-abolish-death-penalty-and-focus-on-unsolved-murders.html

KCNC Denver – CBS4 News
“State lawmakers race to wrap up business for year”
May 4, 2009
http://cbs4denver.com/seenon/Colorado.Lawmakers.Business.2.1000713.html

KKTV Colorado Springs – 11 News
“Colorado Senate to vote on ending death penalty”
May 4, 2009
http://www.kktv.com/morenews/headlines/44303742.html

KOAA Colorado Springs – News 5/30
“Colorado lawmakers race to wrap up business for year”
May 4, 2009
http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x551455771/Colorado-lawmakers-race-to-wrap-up-business-for-year

KCNC Denver – CBS4 News
“Bid to eliminate Colorado death penalty in trouble”
May 4, 2009
Associated Press
http://cbs4denver.com/local/Death.Penalty.Bill.2.1001184.html

KOAA Colorado Springs – News 5/30
“Big changes to death penalty bill”
May 4, 2009
http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x586945555/Big-changes-to-death-penalty-bill

Denver Post
“Death penalty foes reeling as rewrite imperils bill”
May 5, 2009
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12294769

Durango Herald
“Senate votes to keep death penalty”
May 5, 2009
By Joe Hanel, reporter
http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/2009/05/05/Senate_votes_to_keep_death_penalty

Deseret News
“Which state's philosophy on death penalty is best?”
May 5, 2009
By Marjorie Cortez
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705301416/Death-penality-philosophy.html

KOAA Colorado Springs – News 5/30
“Foes of death penalty hope to revive bill”
May 5, 2009
By Associated Press
http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x551455851/Foes-of-Colorado-death-penalty-hope-to-revive-bill

Denver Post
“Death-penalty’s ban last shot at the capitol”
May 6, 2009
By Jessica Fender, reporter
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12302574

Denver Post
“Bid to repeal death penalty fails in the Senate”
May 6, 2009
By Jessica Fender and Lynn Bartels, reporters
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12307296

Denver Post
“Colorado death penalty survives”
May 7, 2009
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12312533

Denver Daily News
“Capital punishment lives”
May 7, 2009
By Gene Davis, reporter
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=4160

Denver Post
“Ritter keeps death penalty move to himself”
May 8, 2009
By Tim Hoover and John Ingold, reporters
http://www.denverpost.com/statehouse08/ci_12321625

Denver Post
“Groff’s lofty call in stirring last stand”
May 8, 2009
By Mike Littwin, columnist
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12322019


FOHVAMP Scores Great Media Coverage From News Conference
FOHVAMP News Conference releases database of victims compiled over five and one-half years as well as poll showing Colorado Taxpayers are willing to support Cold Case Team at CBI with $3,000,000.


Cold-case pursuits vs. death penalty - Families of the slain urge funding shift
Article Published: May 1, 2007
The Denver Post
By Jennifer Brown, Denver Post Staff Writer

The State Legislarure passed HB07-1272, the bill to provide state-level resources to address the unsolved murders of our loved ones. It was signed into law by Governor Ritter on June 1. This law sets up the structure for what we want. It empowers the family of the victim to ask law enforcement to call CBI into the case.

This new law creates the Cold Case task force (on which we have five out of fifteen members). Permits the task force to review Cold Case homicide investigation methods and take testimony from victims' family members and the public. Beginning October 1, 2008, requires the task force to report annually to the general assembly.

It creates a cold case team ("team") in the Colorado bureau of investigation. Requires the team to develop a database that will contain the homicide files of all open homicide cases in the state. Requires all law enforcement agencies in the state to provide a copy of all homicide investigation files for cases that have been open for more than 3 years to the team for inclusion in the database.

It provides that a family member of a homicide victim may request their local law enforcement agency to ask the CBI team for assistance in investigating the homicide. If local law enforcement declines to do this, they must inform the family member of their reasons in writing.

Even though there will be only one member on the CBI's Cold Case Team the first year, this will be a great start for the additional resources that are so much needed to address our unsolved homicides.


House panel votes to abolish death penalty
Money saved to go toward cold cases
Article Published: February 8, 2007
By Alan Gathright, Denver Post Staff Writer
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/government/article/0,2777,DRMN_23906_5336372,00.html


Howard Morton Families Seek Cold-Case Squads
Article Published: Wednesday, April 13, 2005
By Howard Pankratz, Denver Post Staff Writer

Howard Morton addresses those observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week at the Webb Municipal Office Building on Tuesday. Morton’s son was killed 30 years ago. His wife, Virginia, at his right, joins others holding photos of victims.

The Colorado legislature should organize and fund state-level cold-case squads to solve a backlog of 1,000 homicides in the state, a spokesman for a group representing the families of victims said Tuesday.

Howard Morton, a spokesman for Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons, made the plea at Colorado's observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, attended by hundreds at the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building in Denver.

Morton's son was killed 30 years ago. He said that a three-year survey of Colorado law enforcement officials revealed a vast number of unsolved murders.

"Three out of 10 murders go unpunished in Colorado," Morton said. "There are killers walking among us. There are murderers living in our neighborhoods. Most of these have never been arrested or prosecuted."

He said the 1,000 unresolved homicides have occurred since 1970, and there are 40 new cold-case homicides added each year.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey told the audience that the DA's office and Denver police are doing everything they can to solve cold-case sexual assault and homicide cases.

"So far we have reviewed over 2,000 cases. And of those 2,000 cases, there have been 460 requests for DNA testing," Morrissey said.

He said investigators have had 56 "hits," which means there has been a match with a DNA profile in the national database.

Because of the effort, his office has filed nine cases and is working on more, he said.



Justice Reward Program Launches Tigges $100,000 Poster in Conjunction
with Project Safe Neighborhoods

Phyllis Tigges speaks about her son, Thad, and about her family's hope that a $100,000 reward will lead to information in her son's murder. That's husband Jim Tigges next to her in the sun glasses and son Rodney over her shoulder. District Attorney Bill Ritter is behind Jim and Police Chief Gerald Wittman is next to Rodney.



The press gathered with families of FOHVAMP in a park at 41st and Tennyson in Denver to mark the launch of a public awareness program to reduce gun crime. Here, Howard Morton addresses the gathering. Morton challenged the State of Colorado to join the United States Department of Justice in providing resources to attack the problem of unresolved homicides.