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Rep. Buck Comments on Tragic Shooting of Denver Mother and Detention Laws for Juvenile Criminals

March 4, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ken Buck (R-Colo.) the former Weld County District Attorney, released a statement on detention laws for juvenile criminals following the death of a Denver mother in a drive-by shooting committed by a 14-year-old male. Pamela Cabriales was shot multiple times by the 14-year-old who has a lengthy criminal record.
The Colorado Legislature is currently considering SB21-071, a bill that would limit the detention of juvenile criminals.
Rep. Buck, who has served over 25 years in law enforcement, made the following statement concerning the tragic shooting of Miss Cabriales and juvenile detention laws in the state of Colorado:
"I am outraged by the brutal murder of Pamela Cabriales, a Denver mother of a six-year-old boy. My heart goes out to her family, who described her as an amazing human being who always went out of her way to help those in need. This was a heinous crime, and the perpetrators of this evil act must be brought to justice," Rep. Buck said.
"The 14-year-old juvenile who unloaded multiple rounds into Miss Cabriales' car in late February had a lengthy criminal record. Each one of those offenses was an instance where prosecutors and judges could have intervened to stop his progression down the conveyor belt to additional and greater criminality. Early intervention can help stop juveniles from becoming violent, career criminals and it helps law enforcement protect communities because they know who they are dealing with. However, SB 71 does the exact opposite. This bill eliminates consequences for juvenile criminals who commit minor crimes by requiring they be released after 48 hours of being detained, effectively implementing a "catch and release" regime for them. Under SB 71, these offenders will be back on the streets and able to commit more serious offenses. SB 71 lets young lawbreakers off the hook and undermines the justice system because entire categories of criminal offenses are being ignored."
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Issues:Security