18-year-old arrested in Cimarron Hills murder case
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - On July 7, a father was shot and killed in El Paso County. The sheriff's office was searching for masked suspects and announced on July 22 that an arrest had been made.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) says that on July 16, 18-year-old Damonte Linwood was arrested in Aurora on charges of Second-Degree Murder and Robbery in connection with this case.
Linwood is currently being held at the Aurora Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, according to EPSO. KRDO13 requested additional information on Linwood's arrest; however, the court tells KRDO13 his arrest record is currently sealed.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sheriff’s office seeks public help after man shot to death in Cimarron Hills area
Just after 1 a.m. on July 7, EPSO says 39-year-old Michael Fell was shot and killed by masked intruders in a friend's home. Deputies say in the initial investigation, they determined at least four masked individuals entered the residence and stole items from the occupants in an apparent robbery before fleeing the area.
Fell was a son, a brother, and a father. The night he was killed, family said he was playing poker with friends. His mother, Kathy Seylaz, previously spoke with KRDO13 through tears about the unexpected loss of her son.
"You never expect to lose your children before yourself," Seylaz said. "I think the first thing that went through my mind was: can't be Mikey. You know, they have been mixed up with somebody else. It can't be my Mike."
Seylaz emphasized her son's character, stating he was not involved in criminal activities.
"He wasn't a drug dealer. He wasn't a gangster. He was just there playing poker. I can't see why anybody would want to hurt Michael. He was a happy, lighthearted, kind person," shared Seylaz.
Seylaz is calling for justice on behalf of her son.
"I know what it feels like to be the mom who loses your child," Seylaz said. "And if they can just break into somebody's home and randomly shoot people, those people need to be brought to justice, so no other family goes through what we're going through. I know that somebody somewhere has to know something."
EPSO continues to investigate the killing and urges anyone with information or relevant security camera footage near the 2300 block of Reed Grass Way to contact them.
“This arrest marks an important step in the pursuit of justice for the victim and their loved ones. I want to commend the outstanding work and collaboration of our investigators and Fugitive Impact Team, the Aurora Police Department, the Arvada Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. While an arrest has been made, this remains an active investigation, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure everyone responsible is held accountable through the judicial process,” wrote El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Fell's family.
Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
