Aurora – Aurora’s council chambers were transformed Tuesday into a vibrant twilight memorial celebration for two college graduates who were slain a year before – killings prosecutors believe were to silence a key witness to a 2004 homicide.
In the year that has passed, the double homicide of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe on June 20, 2005, has become a rallying cry against witness killing.
About 150 people, including a gospel choir, legislators, ministers, attorneys, police officials, friends and family gathered to commemorate Marshall-Fields and Wolfe.
“It should not take courage to be a witness. It should instill pride and honor, not fear,” said Assistant District Attorney John Hower, who’s prosecuting the case against Robert Ray, Sir Mario Owens and Parish Carter, who were indicted by a grand jury in the double homicide.
State Sen. Peter Groff, Sen. Nancy Spence and Rep. Michael Garcia praised the efforts of Rhonda Fields and Christine Wolfe, the slain pair’s mothers, who pushed for stronger witness protection.
The lawmakers gave the women a framed copy of House Bill 1379, which is named in honor of Marshall-Fields and Wolfe and ensures that district attorneys will get annual training in witness protection.
The mothers showed their appreciation, handing awards to Denver prosecutor Ann E. Terry for her criminal justice work and Aurora Detective Gretchen Fronapfel for her relentless work on the case.
“This is a crime at the heart of justice, and it affected everyone,” Fronapfel said. “It’s been an honor to do this for you and your children.”
The speakers said Tuesday’s event was a celebration of the young couple and their short life and also a recognition that good ultimately prevails.
“They have taught us there is hope,” said Maisha Pollard, Marshall-Field’s sister, of her brother and his fiancee. “They have taught us to push forward and move on.”
