The Boulder County Investigation Team (BCIT), designated to probe use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement in the region, has wrapped up an investigation concerning the death of Jesus Lopez Barcenas, 36, who died in custody following an altercation with Boulder Police Department and University of Colorado - Boulder Police Department officers last year. On December 27, 2024, Mr. Barcenas was apprehended after reports of a suspicious person and alleged crimes. During the incident, he attempted to seize an officer's firearm, leading to the use of force deemed necessary to subdue and arrest him, according to the District Attorney's Office, as noted by Boulder County.
Running into complications, the autopsy report was only completed in May due to the detailed analysis needed by the forensic pathologist. Struggling with coordination, American Medical Response (AMR) was initially cooperative but subsequently delayed responses to investigative inquiries. AMR paramedic Edward McClure, who treated Mr. Barcenas at the scene, is accused of a series of policy violations, which prosecutors argue contributed to Barcenas's death following a cardiac arrest. The forensic pathologist also cited the effects of methamphetamine intoxication as the cause of death.
Mr. McClure now faces charges of Manslaughter under C.R.S. 18-3-104(1)(a) and Second Degree Forgery as outlined in C.R.S. 18-5-104. The charges come after Mr. McClure was found to have injected Mr. Barcenas with a sedative before a medical evaluation, improperly positioned him on the gurney, and applied a spit sock over his head, among other infractions. "The reckless acts of the paramedic led to the untimely and tragic death of Mr. Barcenas," District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, as per Boulder County, promising a dedicated fight by his prosecution team for justice.
