Denver DA Charges 17-Year-Old as Adult in Shooting Death of Tayanna Manuel

DENVER—On December 26, 2022, the body of 16-year-old Tayanna Manuel was found behind a dumpster at 4927 North Sedalia Street by Denver Police Department officers. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner ruled on December 29^th that Manuel died from a gunshot wound and that her death was a homicide. Today, prosecutors with the Denver District Attorney’s Office announced that 17-year-old Deontre Hollie will be tried as an adult for the murder of Tayanna Manuel.

Prosecutors allege that Hollie also shot a juvenile male that same night. That juvenile survived his injuries and details about him are being withheld. Hollie is charged with, murder in the first degree – after deliberation (F1), attempted murder in the first degree – after deliberation (F2), fist degree assault with a deadly weapon – serious bodily injury (F3) and tampering with physical evidence of a felony crime (F6).  This is Denver District Court case number 23CR20001.

About the Denver DA’s Office:
Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of the State of Colorado and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission includes the prevention and deterrence of crimes, support of the well-being of victims, participation in the community, transparency, accountability, and improvement of the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

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The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed a crime(s) under Colorado laws.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  See Colo. RPC 3.6.