Larimer Square Stabbing Death: Police Announce Arrest

DENVER, CO – Denver police announced the arrest of a man in connection with a Feb. 20 stabbing death that took place near Larimer Square. With the help of surveillance video before and after the stabbing, police were able to identify and arrest a man, an arrest affidavit shows.

Joaquin Alejandro Romero, 23, was taken into custody on Feb. 22 in connection with the death of John Otto, 27, who was found injured around 12:20 a.m. on the street in the 1500 block of Lawrence Avenue. Otto was taken to a hospital and later died of his injuries.

The Office of the Denver Medical Examiner said Monday that Otto died of stab wounds. A snapped-off knife blade was found by medical investigators in Otto's back, a police affidavit said.

Police said Otto and Romero were observed before the incident walking near the 1500 block of Lawrence "carrying three backpacks," according to an arrest affidavit.

Police located RTD video footage of a man resembling Romero boarding an RTD bus at 15th and Champa streets after the stabbing. They interviewed witnesses at a Denver bar in the 3400 block of Park Avenue West, where Romero allegedly exited the bus around 12:35 a.m. Police showed up at 1:15 a.m., looking for Romero, and a witness was able to identify him, the affidavit said.

Romero was arrested later that day.

Romero is being held in the Denver County jail on no bond, accused of first-degree murder and facing charges for an earlier fugitive warrant, according to online inmate rosters.

Related: Man Died After Fatal Assault Near Larimer Square: Denver Police

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