TheDenverChannel.com










Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Hate Crime Charges Not Ruled In Gay Man's Slaying

Montrose Prosecutors Say Charge Could Come Later

POSTED: 8:31 am MDT August 9, 2005
UPDATED: 5:42 pm MDT August 9, 2005

Hate-crime charges have not been ruled out against two men faced with first-degree murder charges in the killing of a gay man in Montrose, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Adams said the investigation has not ended into the July slaying of Kevin Hale, 36, in the southwestern Colorado community.

"We are waiting as is appropriate in a case of this magnitude," he said. "It's appropriate for us to proceed with caution and be certain of what we are doing."

The Associated Press erroneously reported that prosecutors have declined to file hate crime charges, based on a story contributed from the Montrose Daily Press.

Todd Fiske and Adam Hernandez were advised of several new charges facing them Monday, including conspiracy to commit robbery and intimidating a witness or victim. Those new charges are in addition to first-degree homicide charges filed Friday in connection with the killing of Hale.

Hale had told police he was being threatened because he was gay. His body was found in a town park July 30.

Prosecutors were seeking to have Fiske and Hernandez held without bail.

The Colorado Anti-Violence Program and Western Equality, two Western Slope groups, said they're not asking prosecutors to seek the hate crime aspect because of the enhanced penalty.

"We are asking the DA to do this because violence targeting members of specific communities has a significant ripple effect," said Avy Skolnik of the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. "These crimes send messages to other (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) people that they are not safe in the world."

Tammy Gonzales, who divorced Hale in 1997 when he stopped hiding his homosexuality after 10 years of marriage, said she Hale told her he was worried someone would try to kill him. The couple have a 13-year-old son.

Court records show Hale was arrested on a domestic violence complaint in 2000, according to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

Hernandez has previous convictions for criminal mischief and violating a restraining order, according to Montrose County court records. Hernandez had also been arrested four times for petty theft or shoplifting, according to the newspaper which reviewed police records.

Fiske has no prior record of arrest by the Montrose Police Department.

Family and friends said one of the alleged attackers had worked with Hale at a real estate company. Hale's uncle, Larry DeVinny, said his nephew apparently made a pass at one of his attackers more than a year ago.


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

If you’re starting to feel like your home needs a little warmth, try these helpful hints to make your living space just a little more cozy. More

If you’re feeling like you’re not doing what you’re supposed to, take this quiz and take control of your working destiny. More

With the holiday season fast approaching, most of us plan to repeat the new-age tradition of online shopping. Check out the best sites and find that perfect gift for less. More

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA