Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for investigation of first-degree homicide after he and two others allegedly used metal bar stools to beat a man to death last year.
Christopher Gauthier was arrested Thursday for the Oct. 8, 2006, beating of Eugene Morales, 44, at Valverde Country Club, 1319 W. Alameda Ave., according to Denver police records.
Gauthier is being held at Denver City Jail.
On the night of the beating, Gauthier entered the bar flashing gang signs, according to a Denver District Court document.
Gauthier punched Morales in the face by the bar’s door, and Morales allegedly retaliated by stabbing Gauthier with a knife, according to police.
Anthony Rodriguez said he, Gauthier and Ray Lucero, 22, struck Morales numerous times with the bar stools. Two other men also were beaten. The suspects allegedly put the bar stools in the back of a Ford Expedition and drove away.
Two witnesses who drove by the bar during the beating reported the license plate of Rodriquez’s SUV, the report says.
Lucero and Rodriguez also have been charged with first-degree murder. Their cases are pending in court.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
