Three arrested in connection to murder of 16-year-old Aurora girl
The Aurora Police Department arrested three suspects in connection to a home invasion that left a 16-year-old girl dead Tuesday.
The Denver Police Department Narcotics Unit arrested 44-year-old April Chevon Collingwood on suspicion of complicity to commit second-degree murder, first-degree burglary and attempted aggravated robbery on Wednesday, according to a news release from APD.
Thursday evening, APD’s fugitive unit, with the assistance of the Denver Police Department’s Metro SWAT Team, arrested a second suspect, 35-year-old Cooper Miller on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree burglary and attempted aggravated robbery.
Friday morning, Aurora police patrol officers, the fugitive unit and SWAT Team arrested a third suspect, 51-year-old David Gunion, on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree burglary and attempted aggravated robbery.
The three suspects remain the only suspects the department was searching for in connection to the home invasion and murder that occurred around 6:15 a.m. Tuesday at an apartment complex in the 10600 block of East Jewell Ave. near the Dayton Triangle neighborhood.
A resident of the apartment called 911 to report that someone had broken into the home.
Preliminary investigations found that two armed men, alleged to be Miller and Gunion, entered the apartment, which was occupied by multiple residents, police said. There was a struggle and multiple shots were fired, with one striking Arrington and killing her.
Detectives also obtained evidence that Collingwood helped in planning and recruiting Miller and Gunion to carry out the crime, according to the release.
Police said previously there were no indications that the home invasion was gang related.
Arrington’s family posted a GoFundMe page with a goal for fundraising $10,000 on Wednesday. It has reached more than $8,000 as of Friday morning.
“Audrina was loved dearly by many, her family, friends and teachers,” according to the post. “She had the purest gold heart, and a smile that would brighten up any room. She touched many lives and loved everyone unconditionally.”
Arrington was a student at Denver North High School, according to a news release from the school.
“Audrina was a beloved student and our community is sad and hurting over the tragic news of her passing,” Denver Public Schools officials said in a statement. “We are sending love and care to her family during this very difficult time. It is never easy to send communication like this to our community. It deeply affects our students, staff and community.”
Collingwood appeared in the Arapahoe District Court for an advisement hearing Thursday morning. She is being held on $100,000 bond, police said.
Formal charges against Miller and Gunion will be filed by the Arapahoe District Attorney’s Office following the investigation.
Denver Gazette reporter Noah Festenstein contributed to this report.