Man Convicted of Nov 2016 Murder (Purpera)

NEWS RELEASE –

August 24, 2018

Contact: Ken Lane, 720-913-9025

JURY FINDS MAN GUILTY IN NOV 2016 SLAYING OF HOMELESS MAN

A man charged in the shooting death of another man in November 2016 in south Denver was found guilty Thursday afternoon in Denver District Court.

Makhail Anthony Purpera (dob: 08-27-87) was found guilty after a seven-day jury trial of first-degree murder-felony (F1) and second degree murder (F2).

On or about November 5, 2016, Purpera shot and killed 54-year-old Wayland Busby while trying to steal marijuana and other belongings from him. Busby was living in a tent neat S. Platte River Drive and Dartmouth Avenue when his body was found by a Denver Park Ranger during a routine check of the area.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 19.

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