Citizen Centennial 8-30-2013
Centennial
Arapahoe County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 41
August 30, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourcentennialnews.com
Court seals ambulance report in slaying Defense wins round in battle over accused killer’s records By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com Attorneys for David Wayne Kuroki — who is accused of first-degree murder in the death of his 81-year-old mother — insist the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office had no right to see medical records created by paramedics while transporting their client to a hospital. Although investigators and prosecutors can’t unlearn what they’ve seen, Arapahoe County Judge Elizabeth Beebe-Volz or-
dered that the files be handed over to the court and sealed until further notice, and that any residual knowledge not be used in the prosecution of the case. Beebe-Volz rendered her decision at the conclusion of an Aug. 21 hearing in Arapahoe County Court. Kuroki, 53, was found April 2 in a Douglas County park, just hours after Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputies discovered his mother’s body in the bedroom of her Centennial home. According to sworn testimony, a South Metro Fire ambulance transported Kuroki from the park with what the Douglas County deputy who responded to the scene described as life-threatening
wounds. But Kuroki’s defense team is resolved that notes and medical reports created by those who treated him are protected under the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and should never have been turned over to investigators. Assistant Arapahoe County Attorney George Kuroki Rosenberg disagrees. Appearing on behalf of Sheriff Grayson Robinson, Rosenberg argued no violation could have occurred because the sheriff’s office only had copies, and was not the
custodial agent of the documents, with no way of certifying the records as “true and accurate.” He went on to cite case law exempting law enforcement agencies from such breaches of privacy. Defense attorneys argued a violation did exist because Kuroki has not waived his right to keep such records private, adding that the records should be surrendered and destroyed. Prosecutors objected, insisting that in the event Kuroki would plead not guilty by reason of insanity, the records may be of value. Kuroki will be back in court Oct. 25 for arraignment.
Fire chief announces retirement Littleton Fire Rescue staff excited about idea of fresh start By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com
More than 100 classic cars and 35 vintage aircraft helped raise awareness — and financial support — for the Morgan Adams Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving survival rates of children diagnosed with cancer. The annual Concours d’Elegance, held Aug. 24 in Centennial, attracted hundreds of patrons for an evening of fun and fundraising.
Wings, wheels fight cancer
One of the largest collections of rare vehicles and historically significant aircraft came to Centennial Airport on Aug. 24 for the Morgan Adams Foundation Concours d’Elegance, a yearly auction and fundraiser for children with cancer. More than 100 cars, 35 aircraft and a handful of rare motorcycles served as the centerpiece. The group funds pediatric cancer research and therapies. The foundation is named for the daughter of founders Steve Adams and Joan Slaughter. The 6-year-old girl died of brain cancer in 1998.
Photos by Deborah GriGsby
Littleton Fire Rescue Chief John Mullin announced his retirement on Aug. 23, four months after the firefighters’ association formally declared their lack of confidence in his leadership. He announced his decision in an email to all Littleton city employees: “I want to thank (director of public works) Charlie Blosten for his wisdom in hiring me, for the friendship and support that I have enjoyed here and the great adventure that I experienced as a member of Littleton Fire Rescue. Mullin “I am retiring on April 1st, which will mark my 40th year. My last day at work will be December 31st. “Thanks for the memories. “Wishing you all the best.” Littleton Fire Rescue serves much of western Centennial. Joel Heinemann, president of the Littleton Firefighters Association, said the department is looking forward to a new start. “We wish him well in the next chapter of his life,” he said. “We’re excited about moving forward with the future of the Littleton fire department with new leadership.” He did call the timing of Mullin’s announcement suspect, given that South Metro Fire Rescue is expected to release next month its study on the feasibility of bringing LFR and its partners into its fold. The association feels that would be the best fix for a department that’s been under a lot of tension. “The vote of no confidence was a distraction,” said Mullin in a statement Aug. 24. “I am interested in what the South Metro study will present. In no way did either of those items influence my decision to retire. I turn 65 this October and will achieve 40 years in the fire service on April Mullin continues on Page 9
Visitors throng to the TAC Air hangar at Centennial Airport for the 2013 Morgan Adams Foundation Concours d’Elegance. The event, held at the TAC Air and CenturyLink hangars, featured a walk-about meal made up of samples from area restaurants.
Patrons enjoy wine and cocktails among rare cars like this 1927 Bugatti Type 37-A Grand Prix.
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