ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — An Arapahoe County jury reached a split verdict Tuesday for a former Greenwood Village police officer charged in the 2021 fatal shooting of a teenager.
Adam Holen was found guilty of manslaughter, rather than second-degree murder, and found not guilty of felony menacing.
"We are disappointed that it wasn't the murder two charge. We are thankful that it was a charge," said Todd Blitstein, the father of 17-year-old Peyton Blitstein.
Todd Blitstein said this verdict feels like an ending to the terrible chapter in their lives that started Nov. 24, 2021, when Holen shot and killed his son.
"The emotions are all over the place because we've been dealing with it for two and a half years, and the fact that it's finally come to an end, we're thankful it's to the end," Todd Blitstein said.
Police said Holen fatally shot Peyton Blitstein after an argument over careless driving in a neighborhood in Aurora. The jury had to decide whether Holen shot the teen in self-defense or whether he was the aggressor.
Prosecutors said Holen pulled out his gun before getting out of his truck and pointed it at one of Peyton Blitstein’s friends. The prosecution said that a friend told this to Peyton Blitstein before the shooting and then to detectives in an interview after Holen shot Peyton Blitstein.
The prosecution argued Holen was the initial aggressor because he initiated physical contact.
Holen's defense said a Ring doorbell camera contradicts the prosecution’s argument that Holen had a gun when he rounded the truck. The defense said he only pulled out a gun outside the truck when he saw Peyton Blitstein had a gun — and that he fired in self defense.
"We are thankful that he's going to be in essence going away, paying for his crimes," Todd Blitstein said.
Todd Blitstein remembers his son as helpful and caring, eager to serve his country.
"The thing about Peyton is the memories that come into mind are how good of a person he was, how good of a kid he was, how he always wanted to help everybody out," he said.
Todd Blitstein hopes this verdict sends a message.
"Don't take the law in your own hands," he said.
Sentencing is set for May 20.
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