The family of Lee Keltner, who was shot and killed Saturday while attending a “Patriot Rally” in downtown Denver, called the decision to charge the private security guard suspected in his death with second-degree murder a “positive first step.”
“The Keltner family obviously wants justice for Lee,” family attorney William Boyle said in a statement on behalf of Keltner’s wife.
The family still has questions relating to Matthew Dolloff’s relationship with 9News and the Pinkerton and Isborn security firms, the statement says.
“We have reached out to these companies seeking answers. Although we have not been contacted, all three have issued carefully-crafted statements in what appear to be efforts to distance themselves from the shooting and Mr. Dolloff,” the statement reads.
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann on Thursday announced her office plans to file a charge of second-degree murder against Dolloff, after police initially arrested the 30-year-old on suspicion of first-degree murder — which would have carried a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Dolloff could face up to 48 years in prison.
An arrest affidavit released Tuesday spells out how Saturday’s confrontation turned deadly.
Keltner, 49, became involved in a dispute with Dolloff and a 9News producer, whom Dolloff was guarding, according to the arrest affidavit. Keltner then slapped Dolloff on the side of his head, and Dolloff pulled out a gun from his waistband, the arrest affidavit says.
Dolloff fired the gun as Keltner discharged pepper spray at Dolloff, according to the affidavit.
An attorney for Dolloff said Monday that the security guard was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed Keltner.
Dolloff was not licensed to provide private security services in Denver, city officials have said, and 9News staff did not know the security guard was armed, nor did they request an armed guard for Saturday’s protest, the television station said.
Keltner’s loved ones, meanwhile, are left to mourn his death.
“Lee’s family is in shock and mourning the loss of a father, grandfather, son, brother and husband,” the family’s statement said. “They hope that Lee is remembered as a proud Coloradan, a veteran and an artist. They appreciate respect for their privacy during this time of loss.”
Boyle, the family’s attorney, sent a follow-up statement Friday morning that echoed the same sentiment.