Denver DA Reacts to Death of Defendant Randall Butler

DENVER—Prior to the resumption of the trial this morning for closing arguments, the presiding judge notified the parties and the jury that the defendant, Randall Butler, had taken his life earlier this morning. In response to this development, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann issued the following statement.

“We are sorry that this trial ended in this manner and our sympathies go out to the family and friends of Mr. Butler. I am grateful that the victims in this case found the strength and courage to come forward and had an opportunity to tell their stories despite not having the finality of a jury verdict.”

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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.