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Prosecutors Dropping Charges Against Matthew Dolloff In Shooting Death Of Protester In Denver In 2020

March 10, 2022 / 5:05 PM MST / CBS Colorado

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DENVER (CBS4) - Prosecutors are dropping charges against the former security guard accused of killing a protestor in Denver in October 2020. Matthew Dolloff is accused in the shooting death of Lee Keltner during a demonstration, while Dolloff was working as an armed guard for 9News.

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 10: Two men clash after dueling rallies in Downtown Denver on October 10, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The confrontation led to the man on the right fatally shooting the man on the left of the photo. The shooting happened as opposing rallies by far-right and far-left activists were ending. The shooter has been identified as Matthew Dolloff. He is being held for investigation of First Degree Murder in connection with this shooting. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The shooting happened as a "Patriot Muster" demonstration and a "BLM-Antifa Soup Drive" counter-protest were ending.

Dolloff pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge.

Matthew Dolloff (credit: Denver Police)

On Thursday, prosecutors confirmed to CBS4 they were dropping charges against Dolloff.

"I can confirm that having fully considered the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges, today we informed Lee Keltner's family members that we will soon dismiss the criminal case against Matthew Dolloff. In line with our ethical obligations, we cannot overcome the legal justifications of self-defense or defense of others. We are not able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt," stated Carolyn Tyler, Communications Director for the Denver District Attorney's Office.