Today on Colorado Edition: There's a law on the books in Colorado that allows someone to be charged with murder, even if they didn't commit the crime. We talk through legislation aimed at changing it. We also speak with Dean Williams, executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, about preparing inmates for life after their sentence. We'll also hear about how Nevada factors into the 2020 election and we'll hear from an artist who works in, on and around snow.
Colorado's Felony Murder Statute
There is a law on the books in Colorado called the "felony murder statute,” and it allows people to go to jail for murder, even if they didn’t commit the act. But legislation that will be introduced in Colorado’s upcoming legislative session may change that.
Jesse Paul reported on it for the Colorado Sun and joined us to discuss.
A Conversation With Dean Williams, Executive Director Of Colorado's Department of Corrections
Reform of the criminal justice system can come directly from the Colorado legislature, or it can come from within the Department of Corrections. Dean Williams, the executive director of Colorado’s Department of Corrections, began his job a year ago, in Jan. 2019. He has said that his goal is to reduce Colorado’s prison population, and to lower Colorado’s rate of recidivism, which is the measure of the number of people who return to the criminal justice system after being released. He joined us to discuss his work and the year ahead.
How Nevada Plays Into The 2020 Election
We are now just four weeks away from the Iowa caucus, which will be held on Feb. 3. The New Hampshire primary follows on Feb. 11 and after that, the first Western state will weigh in on the field of Democrats vying to replace President Donald Trump.
The Nevada caucus is Saturday, Feb. 22 and as Noah Glick reports from the Mountain West News Bureau, the Silver State could be more of bellwether of things to come than other early voting states.
A Semi-Permanent Medium
Simon Beck is an artist who works with snow, making works similar to crop circles. He’s in Silverthorne, Colorado through Jan. 16, where he will use his snowshoes to create works of art in the powder around town. We spoke with Beck on Friday. He was in the middle of his first design, and stepped into a warming hut for few minutes to catch us over the phone.
You can find more information about Beck's work in Silverthorne here.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music this week by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “Great Is The Contessa” by The Contessa
- "Open Flames" by The Aeronaut
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a daily news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.