27-03-2025
GOP representatives urge Polis to push for ‘cop-killer' parole application rejection
DENVER (KDVR) — Four Republican representatives, led by Rep. Gabe Evans, have sent a letter asking Gov. Jared Polis to join them in asking the Colorado Department of Corrections to reject an early parole application.
They also asked that Polis work with legislators to amend a law providing juvenile and young adult offenders a path to parole by not allowing anyone who has killed a peace officer or who is a foreign national to join the program.
Previous coverage: Family of Denver officer killed off-duty worries killer may be released decades early
The case under discussion is that of Raul Gomez-Garcia, who shot and killed Denver Police Detective Donnie Young while he was working off-duty in 2005. Gomez-Garcia was 19 years old when he shot and killed Young and injured another officer.
Earlier this month, Young's family received a letter stating Gomez-Garcia could qualify for a program called Juveniles and Young Adults Convicted as Adults Program, which could lead to him gaining parole. Gomez-Garcia was convicted of murder and attempted murder and was sentenced to 80 years in prison.
The law requires that convicts attend a 3-year program and serve at least 20 years of their sentence to qualify for the early parole program.
'This is a travesty to victims. It is a slap in the face to victims. It is a slap in the face to society. To our justice system. To our law enforcement. I don't understand how this made it through to be signed into law,' Young told FOX31's Vicente Arenas earlier this month.
'This' meaning HB21-1209, 'Parole Eligibility for Youthful Offenders,' which was created the program and was signed into law on July 6, 2021, by Polis.
The Colorado Governor's Office told FOX31 that even if someone completes the three-year program and meets the criteria to apply for early release, that does not mean they will be granted parole. Gomez-Garcia is currently eligible for parole in 2053 and has a mandatory release date in 2081, according to the governor's office.
Man accused of shooting 1, barricading in apartment and firing at officer
'While there is no question that Mr. Gomez-Garcia committed a heinous crime, the Governor has no role in determining whether someone does or does not apply for a particular program, as outlined in statute and the Department of Corrections' Administrative Regulation,' the governor's office told FOX31. 'It's unfortunate that these members of Congress took the time to grandstand without taking the time to understand this program. Governor Polis will work with anyone to improve public safety and keep dangerous criminals, including individuals who kill police officers, off the streets.'
Reps. Gabe Evans, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank and Jeff Hurd, who all represent Colorado in U.S. Congress, are asking that Polis work with lawmakers to 'prevent cop killers and illegal immigrants from being eligible for this program.'
Gomez-Garcia is Mexican and fled to the country after the shooting. He was arrested in Mexico and extradited back to the U.S.
'Given the horrific and undeniably evil nature of this crime that resulted in the execution of a Colorado Peace Officer, devoted husband, and loving father – we ask that you join us in urging Executive Director Moses Stancil to reject Gomez-Garcia's JYACAP application. Colorado elected officials, law enforcement groups, and the victim's family have been united in opposing the killer's application to this program – including former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrisey who was elected as a Democrat and whose office convicted Gomez Garcia,' the representatives wrote to Polis.
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