Police are still looking for the 2nd suspect in the burglary and vandalism of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Denver’s City Park, despite the fact that one suspect has turned themselves in.
Robert Duran, 47, surrendered himself to the Denver Police Department on Thursday, according to the department. He was one of 2 people under suspicion for allegedly stealing and destroying bronze statues from the MLK memorial. For a criminal mischief inquiry, he was placed under custody.
On February 21, the vandalism was reported. Dr. Vern Howard, the head of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission, reported that two ornamental emblems—a flame and an angel of love—as well as a bronze panel featuring Black Americans who served in American military conflicts were taken down.
Howard calculated that the loss was at least $75,000 in value.
After conducting an inquiry, Denver police stated that they thought Robert Duran had contributed to the deterioration of one of the seized metal components.
The 2nd suspect, Herman Duran, was recently identified, and they are still looking for him. Call 720-913-7867 to report details about his whereabouts to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. The maximum payout for anonymous tipsters is $2,000.
The statue was commissioned by Denver’s City and County as well as Mayor Wellington Webb. It was the idea of Wilma J. Webb, a former state lawmaker and the widow of Wellington Webb, the very first Black mayor of Denver, and it was announced in 2001.
Funds for the repairs are being raised via a GoFundMe campaign.