Boulder Police And District Attorney’s Office Provide Update In Fatal Stabbing

After several weeks of in-depth investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred in the city in August, the Boulder Police Department has determined the sequence of events and turned the case over to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

The fatal stabbing of Christopher Eyer, 30, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, occurred at approximately 10:35 p.m. on Aug. 20 in the 700 block of Arapahoe Avenue.

Boulder Police detectives conducted a thorough investigation and found that Eyer had become involved in a verbal exchange with two adult males—whom he did not know—as they were walking downtown near 9th and Arapahoe. This exchange escalated when Eyer attacked them. Eyer chased them as the two men attempted to flee to safety in their apartment, which was located nearby. Eyer caught them as they opened the door and a physical fight ensued. It culminated with Eyer being stabbed with a small knife by one of the two males. During their voluntary interviews, both males said it was self-defense. One of them was treated at the hospital for their injuries.

Detectives also learned that in the 10 minutes before the stabbing call came out, Eyer had likely been involved in a series of confrontations in and around the 900 block of Walnut Street prior to the altercation at 9th and Arapahoe:

• The first incident was that a male had attacked a guest who opened the door of their hotel room
• The second incident was that a male had punched another male, spit in the face of a female and choked another female
• The third incident was that this same suspect then ran south on 9th Street where he confronted another male who had just parked his vehicle. The suspect began yelling at the male, then attempted to choke and punch him.

Based on the investigation, detectives believe this individual was Eyer. These three incidents took place immediately prior to the attack of the two men, which led to the stabbing death. The Boulder Police Department appreciates the information and assistance provided by members of the community.

This case has been thoroughly investigated by the Boulder Police Department in cooperation with the Boulder County Coroner’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Due to the complex nature of this case and the attestation of self-defense, this case has now been handed over to the D.A.’s Office for legal analysis and the determination of whether charges should or will be filed related to Eyer’s death. Under the law, an actor may use deadly force if the “actor has reasonable ground to believe, and does believe, that he or another person is in imminent danger of being killed or of receiving great bodily injury.” The District Attorney’s Office will conduct the analysis and announce their decision within a couple of weeks. Any further media inquires will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office.