Reward offered to help find teen accused of Denver murder

DENVER – Police are asking for help finding a teenager sought on a murder warrant stemming from an assault on a man last Saturday that turned deadly.

James Earl Compton, 17, is wanted on a warrant for first-degree murder. He’s accused of assaulting David Earl Nowlin, 46, early Saturday morning in the 1900 block of N. Wabash Street, south of Stapleton.

The Denver Police Department says Nowlin died from his injuries later that day.

Though Compton has long hair that is dyed blonde in the photo of him released by police seen above, they say his hair is now shorter. He was reportedly wearing a black leather jacket with patches on it when the alleged assault on Nowlin occurred.

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner determined Nowlin’s death was caused by sharp force injuries, which usually indicates a stabbing.

The police department said it couldn’t provide detail on the case because it is an open investigation, but confirmed that Compton and Nowlin knew each other and that the killing was not random.

Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to Compton’s arrest and conviction. Call them at 720-913-7867, or text 274637 (Crimes) to the same number to leave an anonymous tip.