The El Paso County Coroner’s Office has opined that Dalton Lee Buckholz, 28, died May 1 as a result of “multiple gunshot wounds.”
The manner of his death is listed as homicide, according to the autopsy report that was prepared by Dr. Emily Russell.
The injuries were sustained during an encounter with two Cañon City Police Department officers in the 3000 Block of U.S. 50 on May 1.
According to the autopsy report, which was released by Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller on Tuesday, Buckholz sustained four gunshot wounds: one to the neck, one to the left chest, one to his right thumb and one to his right ring finger.
The gunshot wound to the neck entered on the left neck, traveled left to right, upward, and back to front, exiting on the right neck.
The gunshot of the left chest entered on the left mid-back, traveled back to front, upward and left to right, exiting on the anterior left chest.
The autopsy report states that the gunshot wounds on the right hand may represent one or more re-entrance(s) of the gunshot wounds of the neck and left chest.
There was no evidence of close-range firing for any of the wounds. No soot, stippling or muzzle imprint was located.
Glass fragments were on the body at autopsy, and there was evidence consistent with an attempt to resuscitate.
The report also indicates that Buckholz had “extensive” tattooing on his body, including the phrase, “CCPD killa.”
A toxicology report showed positive urine results for amphetamine, methamphetamine, opiates, codeine and morphine.
In a press release May 2, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation stated that the circumstances regarding the shooting were under investigation and the two officers had been placed on administrative leave.
According to CBI, officers made contact with the driver of a black 1999 Infiniti at 10 p.m. on U.S. 50 near the Quality Inn.
At some point during the incident, according to CBI, shots were fired by the two members of the department. Members of the CCPD were not injured.
The driver, Buckholz, died on scene. An unidentified 20-year-old male passenger of the vehicle also was shot, and authorities stated that he was expected to survive his injuries.
The Daily Record submitted Colorado Open Records Act requests Aug. 11 to the CCPD and the District Attorney’s Office for bodycam footage related to the incident.
Linda Stanley, the District Attorney for the 11th Judicial District, said she received the entire autopsy report less than a week ago.
“I have not looked at anything because I wanted to wait until I had everything,” she said in an email to the Daily Record on Tuesday. “I expect to be able to begin reviewing it this week.”
She said there is no timeline on when a decision needs to be made regarding any potential charges, however, she will do her best to make a decision as quickly as she can.
The CCPD said it will not be releasing any information at this time as it is still an active investigation.
