Arapahoe County – Citing a need to protect potential witnesses in last week’s Aurora Mall shootings, a district judge on Tuesday sealed arrest warrants and affidavits, and placed a gag order on witnesses and attorneys involved with the case.
The two suspects are affiliated with gangs, and witnesses who could potentially testify against the pair must be protected, prosecutors said.
“There’s nothing in this case that I’m aware of that we needed to do this,” Arapahoe district attorney’s spokesman Mike Knight said. “But we just thought as a precaution it was a good idea.”
Christopher Joseph Taylor, 20, of Denver has been charged with first-degree murder, and Gregory Keith Holiday, 20, of Boulder faces a felony charge of possession of a firearm.
The two men appeared Tuesday in separate courtrooms to be arraigned. Taylor is being held without bail, and Holiday had his bail set at $5,000.
The family of Krystal Martinez, who was killed in the gunfire, attended both hearings. Afterward, state Rep. Debbie Stafford, speaking on behalf of the family, said they were upset that Holiday’s bail was not increased.
“They’re really disappointed that Mr. Holiday is able to post bond, especially with their daughter’s funeral being tomorrow, and, frankly, they’re worried,” said Stafford, who was Krystal Martinez’s youth pastor and a family friend. “His attorney said he may not be able to afford that bond.”
Holiday’s attorney, Renee Cooper, declined to comment.
Deputy Public Defender Tina Fang, representing Taylor, made the initial request for sealing records. Fang told Judge William Sylvester the limits would prevent news-media outlets from contacting witnesses.
Prosecutors in Taylor’s case raised no objections, and in Holiday’s case they made the motion to suppress information.
Taylor is scheduled to be back in court July 6, when the court will consider setting bail. Holiday’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9.
Martinez’s mother, Melissa, attended both hearings Tuesday. She was silent and wiped tears during the proceedings.
“It was devastating for her to see (the suspects),” Stafford said. “I think that they’re aware that this is going to be a long journey. …
“Parents should be thinking about dates of their children’s graduation, their children’s wedding. … They shouldn’t have to keep track of court dates.”
Martinez was killed June 21 and her companion, Kyle Boyd, was shot in the head after an argument between Boyd and two men escalated to gunfire at Aurora Mall. Another shopper was grazed in the arm.
Funeral services for Martinez will be this morning. A public viewing will take place starting at 9 a.m., with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m., at Heritage Christian Center, 9495 S. Florida Ave., Denver.
Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-820-1173 or mgonzales@denverpost.com.
