30 years ago – January 5, 1990
First degree arson was the case of the December 10th fire at the Gilpin Hotel, according to the report filed by Mike Russell, of the Jefferson/ Gilpin Arson Response Team. The “intentionally accelerated arson fire” spread into the hotel from a shed just outside the kitchen entrance, according to the report. Evidence that a flammable liquid had beenignited was apparent in at least three locations. The fires appeared to have been set on the wood deck outside the southwest corner of the shed, as well as just inside the door close to the kitchen wall, and in the southeast corner of the shed. The remains of a book of matches, a gallon container and its lid were found in the corner of the shed. The fire spread to the kitchen through a window fan opening in the south wall. Flames were channeled upward by the corrugated metal sheeting on the hotel’s west side. The physical investigation of the fire site has been concluded said Russell Wednesday. A lab report from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is expected later this month, and should identify the flammable liquid used to start the blaze. Witnesses and suspects are being interviewed, Russell said, and alibis are being checked. The arson team is investigating seven or eight possibilities, he said. Anyone with pertinent information is urged to call Mike Russell at the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, Crimestoppers, or the Arson Hotline. Crimestoppers and the Arson Hotline both will respect the anonymity of callers if possible, and both offer rewards for information leading to a conviction.
The Social Register:
Support authors and subscribe to content
Subscribe to read the entire article.
