– “Greenwood Village police officer manslaughter conviction”
– “Ex-police officer convicted in teen’s death”.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Former Greenwood Village Police Officer Convicted of Manslaughter in Killing of Aurora Teen
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — A former Greenwood Village police officer, Adam Holen, has been convicted of manslaughter in the killing of 17-year-old Peyton Blitstein in late 2021. Holen, who was on trial for second-degree murder, felony menacing, and prohibited use of a weapon, confronted Blitstein and his friends on the night of November 24, 2021, for allegedly speeding through the neighborhood. The confrontation escalated, leading to an exchange of gunfire between Holen and Blitstein.
The jury had the option of finding Holen guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter, which they ultimately did. He was acquitted of the felony menacing charge. As the verdict was read, Holen, visibly affected, displayed a Bible with a note quoting John 13:7, “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'”
The three-day trial centered on determining the “initial aggressor” in the incident. Prosecutors argued that Holen was responsible for every act of aggression, as he had chosen to confront the teens with a gun in hand. They cited Holen’s interview with detectives, in which he admitted to having his pistol ready, claiming the teens were “flexing” on him.
On the other hand, the defense contended that Holen only pulled out his gun after seeing Blitstein approaching with a firearm, along with two other friends. They argued that this was a clear case of self-defense.
During the exchange of gunfire, Holen was shot once, while Blitstein sustained nine gunshot wounds. Forensic evidence presented in court confirmed the number of shots fired. However, doorbell camera footage did not definitively establish who fired their weapon first.
In police body camera footage shown at the trial, Holen can be heard confronting the teens, expressing his frustration with their reckless driving. He then described the shooting incident, stating that Blitstein pulled a pistol on him, leading him to return fire in self-defense.
Investigators revealed that Holen, who had resigned from the Greenwood Village Police Department a few weeks prior to the incident, was intoxicated at the time of the shooting. His blood alcohol level was approximately twice the legal limit.
When police arrived at the scene, they found Blitstein on the ground with a woman performing CPR on him while Holen stood nearby. Responding officers asked Holen for a statement since he had been shot in the hip. According to Holen’s account, a red Toyota Scion had been racing in his neighborhood throughout the day and night. He confronted the driver and passengers, urging them to slow down due to children living in the area. Holen claimed that three individuals suddenly approached him, at which point he feared for his life and drew his handgun, pointing it downward. He stated that Blitstein pulled out a firearm and shot him, prompting him to return fire with his Smith and Wesson Shield 9mm pistol. Holen believed he emptied the magazine, which held 11 rounds. Tragically, Blitstein was transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead later that night.
During deliberations, the jury sought clarification on whether Holen’s actions before approaching the teens should be considered in relation to the menacing charge. The judge instructed the jury to make their own determinations on this matter. The jury also questioned the possibility of finding Holen guilty on one charge but not guilty on the other concerning second-degree murder and felony menacing. Once again, the judge emphasized that the jury had the authority to decide both questions independently.
Holen’s sentencing is scheduled for May 20 at 2:30 p.m.
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1. Ex-Greenwood Village police officer convicted of manslaughter in teen’s death
2. Greenwood Village police officer convicted of manslaughter in teen’s death.
