(Dec. 27, 2024) – The Aurora Police Department Major Crime Homicide Unit is asking for the public’s help with information about a suspect wanted in connection with a July homicide in northwest Aurora.
Earlier this month, homicide detectives obtained a warrant for Bryant Jay Beecher, 32, of Denver, on charges of first-degree murder after deliberation and attempted first-degree murder. Beecher is one of two suspects in the case and is currently not in police custody.
Homicide detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who might have information about Beecher and his whereabouts. Tips can be submitted to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
The second suspect, 53-year-old John Edwards, was arrested on a warrant in September in Texas. He is charged in Adams District Court with one count each of first-degree murder after deliberation and attempted first-degree murder. He remains in custody on $1.2 million bond.
The warrant for Beecher and the charges against Edwards stem from July 5, when shortly after midnight Aurora patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex in the 12100 block of East 30th Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they located two victims with apparent gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, who has since been identified by the Adams County Coroner’s Office as 57-year-old Aurora resident Fred Willis, died at the scene. The second victim, a 46-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds and survived.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with any information about Beecher is asked to contact the Aurora Police Department through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP24-127807