CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
We need your help
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Prosecutors have ruled out the death penalty for both suspects in the strangling death of a gay Colorado man whose body was found in a park. Jason Fiske, 25, appeared in district court in Montrose earlier this week for arraignment on charges stemming from the July 30 death of Kevin Hale, 36. Fiske waived formal advisement on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, and witness intimidation. "I would like to announce on the record that we will not seek the death penalty," said assistant district attorney Mark Adams, who declined to elaborate.
District attorney Tom Raynes had previously announced he would not seek the death penalty against codefendant Adam Hernandez, 21, who faces charges of felony murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and theft. Hale's mother, Elaine DeVinny Hale, said she would have liked prosecutors to seek the death penalty. "That's what I want," she said. Fiske and Hernandez are expected to enter pleas at their next court date scheduled for February 7. Hernandez is free on $100,000 bond.
Hale told police he had been threatened because he was gay, and the Colorado Anti-Violence Program has asked that Fiske and Hernandez be charged with violating the state's hate-crimes law. Prosecutors said they were still investigating. (AP)
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Watch Now: Pride Today
Latest Stories
Why queer memory is not only vital in these troubled times–it's revolutionary
July 17 2025 6:00 AM
This Republican governor vetoed anti-LGBTQ+ book ban and bathroom bills
July 17 2025 5:00 AM
A 'Drag Race' queen is leaving the country amid Trump's immigration crackdown
July 17 2025 1:42 AM
Detroit trans woman Karmin Wells shot and killed
July 16 2025 5:53 PM
Daily newsletter 7/16
July 16 2025 5:12 PM
5,000 users leave trans subreddit in wake of transmasculine controversy
July 16 2025 4:10 PM
Cooper Koch’s Emmy nomination earned him a surprise prison call
July 16 2025 3:47 PM