DENVER — Police in Denver are investigating the fatal stabbing of a homeless shelter staff member outside the Denver Rescue Mission facility Saturday night.
A male staff member of the men’s homeless shelter, located at 4600 E. 48th Avenue, was stabbed by a former guest of the shelter sometime around 9 p.m., according to the Denver Police Department.
The victim was transported to the hospital where he later died. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner identified him on Monday afternoon as Fabian Olguin, 30.
The department announced Sunday that officers took a suspect into custody. Christopher Andrew Christian, 22, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and booked into the Denver County Jail.
In an arrest affidavit obtained by Denver7, Rescue Mission staff told police that Christian was asked to leave the facility the night before the stabbing due to a physical altercation he got into with another guest. He was barred from the shelter for at least 30 days. Staff described Christian as having a "temper."
On Saturday night, the victim was walking to his car to give another staff member a ride when he got into a fight with Christian, who was hanging out by a rarely used side door at the facility, according to the affidavit. During the fight, Christian allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest area, the documents read.
After the stabbing, the victim walked to the front entrance of the facility and told staff he was stabbed. They immediately began applying first aid and called 911. Christian fled after the incident, police said in the affidavit.
Staff told police that the victim was not involved with the altercation the previous night.
The Denver Department of Housing Stability (HOST) released the following statement Sunday: “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues – in this shelter and others – who are grappling with the aftermath of this senseless violence and the loss of a loved one.”
Brad Meuli, the president and CEO of Denver Rescue Mission, confirmed in a statement Monday one of the Rescue Mission's staff members was stabbed to death.
“Our hearts are broken, and our prayers go out to the family of this deceased member of our team. A tragic and senseless death like this has been extremely hard for our community and our team at Denver Rescue Mission,” Meuli said. “We are thankful for all of the ongoing support of prayer and encouragement from the community for the family who has lost a loved one and our Mission staff who are grieving during this time.”
