A first-degree murder charge has been dismissed against a Kiowa man after two other men were charged with kidnapping and killing the same victim, authorities say.
Thomas Claeys, 56, was released Thursday from the Clear Creek County Jail in the Oct. 9, 2010, slaying of 31-year-old Conrad Crall, said Capt. Bruce Snelling of the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office. Robbery and kidnapping charges also were dismissed against Claeys, he said.
Jesus Reyna, 28, and Shawn Sheeley, 37, have been charged with felony first-degree murder and kidnapping, Snelling said.
After arresting Claeys for Crall’s death, authorities continued investigating the case, Snelling said.
During their investigation, they interviewed Reyna and Sheeley, who implicated themselves in the shooting death of Crall, he said.
After the statements by the two alleged killers, there was insufficient evidence to prove Claeys committed the murder, and charges were dismissed, he said.
Claeys did not return phone messages Friday.
Snelling said the investigation is continuing and that other participants could be arrested for their roles in Crall’s death.
Hikers found Crall’s body near Interstate 70 up to two weeks after he was fatally shot.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206, or
