DENVER — A man was convicted of second-degree murder on Monday in connection with a deadly shooting at a Denver park nearly two years ago.
Garry Arellano, 63, was shot and killed on April 27, 2022, after he stepped in to break up a fight between two teenage girls at La Alma Park.
After conducting an investigation, Denver police were able to identify Trahavonie Smith as the individual responsible for the shooting incident. The Denver District Attorney’s Office stated that one of the girls engaged in the altercation was actually Smith’s girlfriend.
A Denver jury on Monday found Smith, 27, guilty of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a large capacity magazine.
Denver District Attorney John Walsh expressed his thoughts on the matter, referring to Garry Arellano’s death as a tragic and unnecessary event. Arellano lost his life while intervening in a confrontation between two young women. The recent court decision ensures that Trahavonie Smith will face consequences for his fatal actions. Walsh extended his hopes that Garry’s friends and family can find solace in the fact that justice has been served. He commended the collective efforts of the prosecutors, investigators, paralegals, victim advocates from the Denver DA’s Office, and the diligent work of the Denver Police Department’s homicide detectives. Additionally, Walsh thanked the jurors for their participation in the trial.
Smith will be sentenced on July 11 and faces up to 48 years in prison.
