Brighton – As Aurora police prepared Monday to bury a fellow officer, the man accused of killing the detective was formally charged with first-degree murder.
Brian Washington, 27, was charged in Adams County District Court with eight counts in the death of Detective Mike Thomas, who was shot and killed Wednesday while at an intersection in his civilian clothes and driving his own car. Thomas, 52, was on duty, leaving one training session for another, when he was shot at East Montview Boulevard and Peoria Street.
Washington also was charged Monday with attempted first-degree murder, stemming from his contact with a responding police officer, as well as second-degree assault.
Funeral services for Thomas will be at 11 a.m. today at Heritage Christian Center, followed by burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery. More than 1,000 officers from throughout the area are expected to attend the services, which include motorcades from three police stations to the church and then to the cemetery.
After Monday’s hearing, Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said today’s events will be tough for the department.
“We’ve braced for the ordeal of (today), but also look forward to a day to honor Mike Thomas,” Oates said.
Washington was already wanted in Denver in connection with an incident two days earlier, when, on Sept. 18, he was suspected of shooting into a woman’s car. She was not harmed and drove away.
The 55-year-old woman, in a written statement, related what happened that day.
“I was in an awful and terrible situation,” she said. “However, I have been through so much in my life, including brain surgery and illness. These personal challenges helped me manage and survive this unprovoked attack. For some reason God chose me to stay alive that day. I think I had an angel on my shoulder.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of the Aurora police officer, and I want to express my sincere and deep sympathy to the family of the detective. His death is a tragic loss to all of us.”
If convicted in the Thomas case, Washington, who has a criminal past that includes a felony drug charge, could be sentenced to life in prison without parole or he could get the death penalty.
Adams County District Attorney Don Quick would not say whether he plans to seek the death penalty, citing the newness of the case. There is also a gag order in place, limiting what he and others involved can say.
Police are investigating whether the shooting was racially motivated. Washington is black and Thomas was white.
Washington will be in court next week on a request by the media to have some court documents unsealed. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 7.
“We’re angry. We’re damn angry about what’s happened,” Oates said. “We look forward to Mike’s justice in the courtroom.”
Staff writer Carlos Illescas can be reached at 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com.
