A former Colorado sheriff’s deputy, Andrew Buen, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the shooting death of 22-year-old Christian Glass, who had called 911 for help after his car got stuck in a small mountain community. The incident occurred in June 2022 in Silver Plume, a former mining town in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver.
Buen, who was initially charged with second-degree murder, faced a lesser charge of homicide, which carries a sentence of up to three years in prison. The jury's verdict led to Buen's conviction, and he was taken into custody pending his sentencing on April 14.
The case drew national attention and resulted in changes in law enforcement training regarding responses to individuals in mental health crises. A $19 million settlement was reached with Glass' family, prompting reforms in how officers handle such situations.
Prosecutors argued that Buen needlessly escalated the standoff with Glass, who was in distress and displaying signs of a mental health crisis. The defense contended that Buen acted in self-defense to protect a fellow officer.
While the verdict was not entirely in agreement with prosecutors, it was seen as a form of accountability for Buen's actions. The community sought closure and resolution following Glass' tragic death.
The incident highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in handling mental health crises. The $19 million settlement led to the establishment of a crisis response team in Clear Creek County and mandated crisis intervention training for all deputies.
Despite increased scrutiny of police actions, convictions of officers for on-duty incidents remain rare. Jurors often hesitate to second-guess split-second decisions made in potentially dangerous situations. The case underscored the complexities of policing and the need for ongoing efforts to improve training and response protocols.
