Sheriff's Deputies Charged With Manslaughter In Transport Death

BOULDER, CO -- Two veteran Boulder County sheriff's deputies have been charged with manslaughter in the September transport death of Demetrius Shankling, according to a press release from the sheriff's department. Sheriff Joe Pelle was informed this morning, Feb. 4, that warrants had been issued by the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office for the arrest of deputies James E. O'Brien, 49, and Adam C. Lunn, 36.

Shankling was found unconscious in a police van on Sept. 9, 2018 after transport to a detox facility. When he was arrested, Shankling had showed visible signs of extreme intoxication and reportedly been belligerent with deputies. Shankling was transferred to a Denver medical facility where he died on Oct. 6, 2018.

"Mr. Shankling's death is a tragedy to all involved, including Mr. Shankling, his family, and the involved deputies. I'm grateful to the Boulder County Investigation Team, the coroner's office, the district attorney's office, and the sheriff's investigators, who thoroughly and tirelessly examined every aspect of this tragic event," said Pelle in a statement. "As part of our public safety mission, all deputies are responsible for safeguarding those in our care to the best of our ability and are accountable for our decisions and actions."

(Deputy Jim O'Brien, Courtesy Boulder County Sheriff's Office)

O'Brien and Lunn have been on paid administrative leave since Sept. 9 and will remain on leave pending the internal administrative review into their actions, according to the sheriff's department. Pelle had previously requested the Boulder County Investigation Team, an independent team of multi-jurisdictional investigators, investigate Mr. Shankling's death. Those investigative findings were presented to Sheriff Pelle and his staff, as well as the District Attorney and his team.

(Deputy Adam Lunn, courtesy Boulder County Sheriff's Office)

Video footage, including body-worn camera footage, exists as part of the record in this incident, however the District Attorney has asked Pelle not to release any records related to this investigation until the criminal cases involving both deputies have reached a disposition. However, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Daily Camera, body camera footage catches the deputies saying phrases such as, "Adios, muchacho, "Hasta la vista," and "Another satisfied customer."

The arrest warrants charged each deputy with manslaughter, a class four felony. O'Brien joined the sheriff's office as a deputy in 1998 and has worked in the jail, patrol and investigations, and his most recent assignment was in patrol. Lunn joined the sheriff's office as a civilian crew boss in 2009. He was promoted to deputy in 2011 and spent the majority of his career in the Jail Division, and his most recent assignment was working in jail operations. Both deputies were assigned to night shift at the time of the incident.

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Header image: Mara Abbott/Patch