Personal Tragedies Prompt Action

Winter, 2011

The University of Northern Colorado
Courageous UNC alums focus on helping others after suffering through a parent's worst nightmare...

Rhonda Fields: 'Stick to your principles'

Jan 24, 2011

The Aurora Sentinel
Navigating through the complex landscape of politics and the craft of policy making is a breeze when you've made it through a battlefield

Judge sentences Perish Carter to 70 years

August 26, 2010

By SARA CASTELLANOS | The Aurora Sentinel
Carter's sentence was appropriate, although a sense of closure is nonexistent, said Rhonda Fields, mother of Javad Marshall-Fields. ...

Mother of murder victim becomes new state legislator

Jan. 14, 2011

9news.com
DENVER - Rhonda Fields stood up, raised her right hand, and smiled. She thought of the job. She thought of the day. She thought of her son.

Judge sentences Perish Carter to 70 years

August 26, 2010

By SARA CASTELLANOS | The Aurora Sentinel
Carter's sentence was appropriate, although a sense of closure is nonexistent, said Rhonda Fields, mother of Javad Marshall-Fields. ...

Killer sentenced to death by lethal injection.

May 5, 2010

TaRhonda Thomas reports. 9NEWS at 5 p.m.

Click Here to Watch News Video

Aurora witness killer formally sentenced to death

May 5, 2010

Denver Post

By Carlos Illescas Rhonda Fields, center, with family and friends, talks with the media Wednesday after Robert Ray was formally sentenced to death for ..

Ray formally sentenced to death

May 5, 2010

The Aurora Sentinel

Rhonda Fields, Marshall-Fields' mother, said she thinks about her son and Wolfe day and night, but takes pride in knowing that her son died because he ...

Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund Making Strides Toward Inaugural Journey to Justice Run/Walk to Remember Event

June 20, 2009

Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund Receives $300,000 Gift at 1870 Dinner

January 2010

Denver, CO

The Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund announces the receipt of a generous $300,000 gift from Patrick McConathy, member of the Board of Governors at Colorado State University. The donation made at the 1870 Dinner hosted by Colorado State University, secures the endowed scholarship fund which has already enabled five students to attend the University and celebrated one graduate this December.

Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund Making Strides Toward Inaugural Journey to Justice Run/Walk to Remember Event

June 20, 2009

Rhonda Fields' Journey to Justice Gains Momentum with the Establishment of the Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund Charity New Charity Established to Uphold Truth, Justice and Courage

June 17, 2009

Denver, CO

Rhonda Fields' journey is one of inspiration and determination since the murder of her son, Javad Marshall Fields and his finance, Vivian Wolfe. For the last four years, she has dedicated herself to the pursuit of truth, justice and courage. Fields is now proud to announce the establishment of the Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund charity that she formed earlier this year. The organization has a two pronged mission: lobbying legislation in an effort to strengthen the state's witness protection program and to provide financial support to potential Colorado State University students who are willing to make an investment in their future by shaping knowledge in ways that promote public safety and reduce victimization.

Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund Honors Dr. Paul Thayer and Susan Payne at Power of One: Service Above Self Awards Ceremony

June 9, 2009

Rhonda Fields' journey is one of inspiration and determination since the murder of her son, Javad Marshall Fields and his finance, Vivian Wolfe. For the last four years, she has dedicated herself to the pursuit of truth, justice and courage. On Friday, June 19, the Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund will honor two of Colorado's finest individuals who are devoted to academic excellence, public safety and civic engagement at the Power of One: Service Above Self Awards ceremony. This year's honorees are Dr. Paul Thayer, Vice President for Student Affairs, Colorado State University and Susan Payne, Executive Director of Safe2Tell and Special Agent with Colorado Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security.

Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund 5th Annual Golf Tournament a Hit

CSU Scholars Celebrated at Luncheon After 18-Rounds of Golf

Another Sentencing Delay in Death Penalty Case

9/11/2009

Denver Channel 7
Centennial, CO

Sentencing has been delayed a second time for a man facing execution in the death of an Aurora trial witness. A judge was to hand down the death penalty Thursday for 23-year-old Robert Ray, but he delayed that until Oct. 16 so he could hear defense motions about trial testimony and at about least one juror.

Formal sentencing for Robert Ray delayed

9/10/2009

The Aurora Sentinel
Centennial, CO

Robert Ray will not be formally sentenced to death until next month after a judge delayed his sentencing Thursday amid a host of issues raised by Ray’s defense team. Ray, 24, was scheduled to be sentenced to death during a hearing Thursday in Arapahoe County District Court.

Deliberations begin today on Robert Ray's potential execution

6/04/2009

Denver Post
by Carlos Illescas
Centennial, CO

Robert Ray's life is not worth saving because he was a murderer who bragged about killing a witness and the witness' fiancee, prosecutors said Wednesday.During closing arguments in the sentencing phase of Ray's first-degree murder trial in Arapahoe County District Court, prosecutors urged a jury to sentence Ray to death for killing Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe in June 2005.

Death penalty for Robert Ray in Aurora witness murders

6/09/2009

Denver Post
by Mike McPhee

Killer to "pay with his life" for plotting execution of a witness. The 23-year-old man who masterminded the 2005 killing of a witness against him in another murder trial was sentenced to death Monday by an Arapahoe County jury.

Robert Ray will be sentenced to death officially on July 16 by Arapahoe County District Judge Gerald J. Rafferty. Under Colorado law, only a trial jury may decide whether a defendant shall be put to death.

Death penalty for Aurora witness-killer Ray

6/08/2009

Denver Post
by Mike McPhee

Arapahoe County jurors have decided that a convicted killer should be executed. Robert Ray, 23, was convicted last month on two counts of first-degree murder in the 2005 shooting deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe.

Mastermind guilty in killings

5/07/2009

Denver Post

An Arapahoe County jury today found Robert Ray guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the death of a witness and the man's fiancée.

Ray, 23, faces the possibility of a death sentence when his sentencing phase begins Monday for the murders of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe.

Jury convicts Robert Ray in 2005 witness killing

5/07/2009

Aurora Sentinel
Centennial, CO

Had Robert Ray just gone to trial four years ago, maybe he would be free today. But rather than risk the two- to 12-year sentence for his role in the 2004 slaying of Gregory Vann at Lowry Park, investigators said Ray ordered his friend, Sir Mario Owens to kill one of the witnesses against him.

Murder suspect may skip defense

5/02/2009

Denver Post
Centennial, CO

Could lawyers for a man facing the death penalty not put up a defense at his trial? That will likely happen in the case of Robert Ray, charged with first-degree murder for allegedly ordering the shooting deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancee, Vivian Wolfe, in 2005.

Walking to Support Crime Victims

4/30/2009

Lakewood Edge
Centennial, CO

WALKING TO SUPPORT CRIME VICTIMS: The mother of a man slain to keep him from testifying in a murder trial will join the 16th Annual Courage Walk at Clement Park Saturday, May 2.Rhonda Fields, the mother of Javad Marshall-Fields, will speak to the participants after the one-mile walk.

Colorado Senate Committe backs eliminating death Penalty

4/30/2009

Death Penalty News
Denver, CO

WA proposal to eliminate the death penalty in Colorado cleared another hurdle at the Capitol on Wednesday.

The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee endorsed the measure (House Bill 1274) in a party-line vote, sending in to another committee for a vote. The bill would take the $1 million now being spent to prosecute death penalty cases and use it to investigate cold cases. That would add seven employees to the state's cold case unit, which currently has only one investigator.

Opening Arguments Begin in Witness Slaying

4/08/2009

Coloradoan.com
Denver, CO

Opening arguments are under way in the death penalty trial of a man accused of masterminding the slaying of a trial witness and his fiancee on an Aurora street. Twenty-three-year-old Robert Ray is one of three men accused in the June 2005 slayings of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe, both 21.

Trial begins for man accused of witness killings of CSU graduates

4/08/2009

Coloradoan.com
Arapahoe, CO

Opening statements in the trial of a man accused of murdering a witness and his fiancée are under way. Robert Ray is one of three people accused of killing Javad Marshall Fields and Vivian Wolfe in June 2005. Both Ray and Parish Carter are charged with first-degree murder in the case. In June 2008, Sir Mario Owens was sentenced to death by lethal injection for his role in their death.

Trial begins for alleged "mastermind" in witness

4/08/2009

Denver Post
Centennial, CO

Opening statements wrap up in Aurora witness-murder trial
Robert Ray was afraid of losing a cocaine-funded empire earning up to $40,000 a month so he ordered a hit on a man who was scheduled to testify against him, a prosecutor said today during opening arguments. Ray, 23, is facing possible death if he is convicted of the murders of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancee, Vivian Wolfe.

Woman's courage a gift from her slain son

3/20/2009

Your Hub.com
Aurora, CO

Rhonda Fields knows grief, anger and loss the way few people are able to grasp. The murder of her son, Javad, and his fiancé, Vivian Wolfe, days before he was to testify in a murder trial nearly four years ago left her devastated. But with courage and determination, Fields turned her searing grief into action to enhance protection of witnesses through new legislation - mirroring, she says, her son's commitment to "do the right thing."

Bill To Abolish Death Penalty Passes House Committee

February 23, 2009

7 News
Aurora, CO

Money Saved Would Be Used On Cold Case Investigations
A House committee approved a plan late Monday to get rid of the death penalty and use the money to focus on cold cases.The House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 1274 after hours of emotional testimony from supporters.The money saved would be transferred to solving the state's 1,400 unsolved cold cases. Part of the money saved would be used to create a cold-case team at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

A matter of life and death

February 19, 2009

Aurora Sentinel
By BRANDON JOHANSSON
Aurora, CO

or the second time in two years, Colorado lawmakers will answer a life or death question: should the state kill convicted killers, or send them to prison for life? If passed, a bill introduced in the state House this month would abolish Colorado’s rarely used death penalty and use the money spent pursuing executions to fund a “cold case” unit to investigate unsolved homicides.

2008: A Year in Review - Owens gets death

December 24, 2008

Aurora Sentinel
Aurora, CO

For the first time in more than a decade, a convict this year was sentenced to Colorado’s death row.

Sir Mario Owens, 23, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder last summer and in December was formally sentenced to die by lethal injection.

Owens — who police said gunned down a murder witness and his fiancee on an Aurora street in 2005 — is scheduled to die between March 15 and March 21 of next year, though death sentences are almost always delayed well beyond the original execution date.

The only other man on Colorado’s death row, Nathan Dunlap, convicted of killing four people at an Aurora Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in 1993, has been on death row for almost 15 years as his appeals work through the court system.

Prosecutors and the victim’s families said the death penalty was the only appropriate sentence for Owens, who was convicted of killing Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe.

Sir Mario Owens sentenced to death by lethal injection

December 9, 2008

The Denver Post
Centennial, CO

Sir Mario Owens was formally sentenced to death Monday for killing a witness and his fiancee and will now join one other inmate on death row.

Arapahoe County District Judge Gerald Rafferty sentenced Owens, 23, to death by lethal injection in March. A jury found him guilty in June in the deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe. He was also sentenced to 65 years in prison on charges that include intimidating a witness.

Execution date set for man in witness killing

December 8, 2008

San Francisco Examiner
Centennial, CO

A man convicted of gunning down two people, including a potential witness in a murder trial, can be put to death as early as March, an Arapahoe County judge said Monday. Sir Mario Owens, 23, becomes the second person on Colorado's death row.

Sir Mario Owens joins Nathan Dunlap on Colorado's death row

December 8, 2008

Rocky Mountain News
Centennial, CO

Just before a judge sentenced him to death, Sir Mario Owens looked at the mothers of his two victims and grinned. The chilling gesture riveted the Arapahoe County courtroom Monday. "This defendant coldly, calculatingly and completely without conscience or a scintilla of mercy or remorse murdered two young people," Arapahoe County Assistant District Attorney John Howard said as he urged the judge to impose the death penalty.

Judge Sentences Owens To Death

December 8, 2008

CBS 4 News
Centennial, CO

A man convicted of gunning down two people, including a potential witness in a murder trial, can be put to death as early as March, an Arapahoe County judge said Monday.

Sir Mario Owens, 23, becomes the second person on Colorado's death row.

Sir Mario Owens sentenced to death by lethal injection

December 8, 2008

Denver Post

Sir Mario Owens was sentenced to death today for the murders of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe. Judge Gerald Rafferty ordered that Owens, 23, be put to death by lethal injection in March 2009, but the sentence must be reviewed by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Judge Sentences Sir Mario Owens to Death

December 8, 2008

My Fox News
Arapaho, CO

The man convicted of killing a young couple in 2005 in Aurora was sentenced to death by lethal injection Monday. A judge in Arapahoe County issued the sentence for Sir Mario Owens, along with 65 years for other charges related to the crime.

Jury selection in ray murder trial under way

August 11, 2008

Denver 9 News
Arapaho, CO

Jury selection in the murder trial of a man accused of murdering a witness and his fiancée is under way. Robert Ray is one of three people accused of killing Javad Marshall Fields and Vivian Wolfe. Parrish Carter is also charged with first-degree murder. In June, Sir Mario Owens was sentenced to death by lethal injection for their deaths.

Murder Victims' Mothers Give To Those Who Helped

June 22, 2008

Denver CBS 4
AURORA, CO

The mothers of two murder victims in Colorado are giving back to those who gave them justice. District attorneys, police and lawmakers turned out for the third annual Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe Community Awards Celebration.

Sister of murdered grad inspires crowd at memorial

June 21, 2008

BY TREVOR HUGHES -Coloradoan.com
AURORA, CO

The Power of One The Courage to Lead annual community awards celebration in honor of Javad Marshall Fields and Vivian Wolfe was held Friday night.. Friends, family, and members of the criminal justice community got together on the third anniversary of the death of Fields and Wolfe and just four days after a jury returned the verdict of death to Sir Mario Owens.

2 honored in memory of Wolfe and Fields

June 21, 2008

Denver 9 News

The Power of One The Courage to Lead annual community awards celebration in honor of Javad Marshall Fields and Vivian Wolfe was held Friday night.. Friends, family, and members of the criminal justice community got together on the third anniversary of the death of Fields and Wolfe and just four days after a jury returned the verdict of death to Sir Mario Owens.

DA Satisfied With Owens Death Sentence

June 19, 2008

Denver 9 News
CENTENNIAL, CO

The district attorney for Arapahoe County says she is satisfied with the death sentence given to Sir Mario Owens. On Monday, a jury sentenced Owens to death for the murder of potential witness Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée Vivian Wolfe. The two were shot to death in their car more than three years ago.

Owens given death sentence in witness killing

June 19, 2008

Denver 9 News
CENTENNIAL, CO

A high school drop-out convicted of killing an engaged couple has been sentenced to death. After a three-month- long trial, the jury decided late Monday afternoon that Sir Mario Owens should go to death

Experts say it could be 15 to 19 years before Owens' execution

June 19, 2008

Denver 9 News
CENTENNIAL, CO

If history is any guide, it will take quite some time before Sir Mario Owens is executed in Colorado. On Monday, a jury of six men and six women sentenced the 23-year-old Owens to death by lethal injection for the murders of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée Vivian Wolfe. Marshall-Fields was set to testify against Owens in a separate murder trial.

The Death Penalty Dilemma - Commentary

June 19, 2008

By JULIE HAYDEN - Denver's Fox News 31
Denver, CO

Christine Wolfe said she planned to visit her daughter's grave to tell her, "We did it Vivian. Justice was served." 22-year-old Vivian and her fiancé Javad Marshall Fields were murdered three years ago this Friday. The jury earlier convicted 23-year-old Sir Mario Owens and has now sentenced him to death.

Jury sentences Sir Mario Owens to death

June 16, 2008

The Denver Post
CENTENNIAL, CO

A jury determined Monday that Sir Mario Owens should be put to death for the June 2005 deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Marshall-Fields' fiancee, Vivian Wolfe. The two were shot to death in their car at an Aurora intersection. Marshall-Fields had been scheduled to testify in a murder trial involving Owens' friend, Robert Ray.

Jury recommends death for Owens

June 16, 2008

By Coloradoan staff and wire services
CENTENNIAL, CO

Jurors decided today that Sir Mario Owens should die for the slaying of a potential witness and his fiancee. Jurors last month found the 23-year-old Owens guilty of first-degree murder in the June 2005 deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Marshall-Fields’ fiancee, Vivian Wolfe. Both were both CSU graduates.

Jury Sentences Convicted Murderer To Death

June 16, 2008

Examiner.com Denver
CENTENNIAL, CO

The jury in the Sir Mario Owens trial decided Monday afternoon that he should be sentenced to death for gunning down a young couple, including a witness in a murder trial.

Jury deliberates penalty in Sir Mario Owens' case

June 16, 2008

Examiner.com Denver
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

The jury deciding the fate of Sir Mario Owens resumes deliberations Monday in the penalty phase of his double-murder trial.

The same group of jurors last month found the 23-year-old Owens guilty of first-degree murder in the June 2005 deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Marshall-Fields' fiancee, Vivian Wolfe.

Jury Still Out In Owens Death Penalty Decision

June 15, 2008

by Jodi Brooks, CBS 4 Denver
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A jury in Arapahoe County has the weekend off before they'll decide if a convicted killer should get the death penalty. The same jury that found Sir Mario Owens guilty of killing a witness and his fiancé will report back to court on Monday.

Jury Deliberates Murderers Fate

June 13, 2008

By Julie Hayden, Fox 31
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A jury is now deciding whether convicted killer, Sir Mario Owens, is sentenced to death or to life in prison. Jurors got the case about 4 this afternoon, went home for the weekend at 5pm and will return Monday morning.

Witnesses to justice for slain couple

June 13, 2008

By Carlos Illescas , Denver Post
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Jurors must now decide whether Sir Mario Owens deserves to be put to death for killing a witness and his fiancee after the panel found him guilty of first-degree murder Wednesday. The jury deliberated for 2 1/2 days before reaching the unanimous verdict in Arapahoe County District Court.

Closing arguments set Friday in penalty phase of Owens trial

June 13, 2008

Examiner.com
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

Jurors in Centennial will listen to closing arguments Friday in the penalty phase of a trial for a man already convicted of murder. The same jury found 23-year-old Sir Mario Owens guilty in May of first-degree murder in the June 2005 deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Marshall-Fields' fiancee, Vivian Wolfe.

Jury in Owens death penalty case breaks for weekend with no decision

June 13, 2008

By Sara Gandy, Channel 9 News Denver
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

About 20 minutes after they got the case on Friday afternoon, the jury asked to decide if Sir Mario Owens will get the death penalty decided to break for the weekend and resume their deliberations on Monday.

Jurors shed tears as mothers describe their loss

June 11, 2008

By Jeffrey Wolf, Channel 9 News - Denver
AURORA

The man convicted of gunning down an eyewitness to murder could speak on his own behalf on Thursday in the death penalty phase of his trial.Sir Mario Owens has been convicted of the double murder of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée Vivian Wolfe. He is now facing the death penalty.

Witnesses to justice for slain couple

May 25, 2008

By Carlos Illescas , Demver Post


Jurors must now decide whether Sir Mario Owens deserves to be put to death for killing a witness and his fiancee after the panel found him guilty of first-degree murder Wednesday..Sir Mario Owens has been convicted of the double murder of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée Vivian Wolfe. He is now facing the death penalty.

Sir Mario Owens likely eligible for death penalty

May 21, 2008

By Howard Pankratz , Denver Post
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

An Arapahoe County jury today found that Sir Mario Owens is potentially eligible for the death penalty, saying he was a major player in the deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields, Vivian Wolfe and Gregory Vann. The jury agreed with prosecutors that there were a series of aggravating factors surrounding the homicides

Killer's lawyers blame hyperactivity

May 21, 2008

By Howard Pankratz , Denver Post
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Lawyers for convicted murderer Sir Mario Owens portrayed their client Wednesday as a young man suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, which, when combined with his environment and upbringing, resulted in Owens making bad decisions.

Convicted killer's mother testifies in her son's defense

May 20, 2008

posted by: Dan Boniface , Web Producer 9 News Denver
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A convicted murderer's defense team began its effort on Wednesday to try to convince jurors that convicted killer Sir Mario Owens doesn't deserve to die for his crimes.

Johnson: When every option hurts, justice is a consolation.

May 20, 2008

By Howard Pankratz The Denver Post
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

It had taken so long. There was the public pleading, the bus-bench ads she paid for, the weekend vigils she and Christine Wolfe stood in parks, holding photographs of their slain children

Strong chance of death for Owens

May 20, 2008

By Howard Pankratz The Denver Post
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

An Arapahoe County jury today found that Sir Mario Owens is potentially eligible for the death penalty, saying he was a major player in the deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields, Vivian Wolfe and Gregory Vann

State pushes death penalty in pair's slaying

May 20, 2008

By Howard Pankratz The Denver Post
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

The murders of Gregory Vann, Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe are among the reasons Sir Mario Owens should be executed by lethal injection, prosecutors told an Arapahoe County jury Monday.

Jury in witness-murder case finds factors that may warrant execution

May 5, 2009

By Howard Pankratz The Denver Post
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

The murders of a prosecution witness and his fiancee included a series of aggravating factors that could result in a death sentence for convicted murderer Sir Mario Owens, an Arapahoe County jury decided Tuesday

Colorado moves death-row inmates so they can exercise outdoors

July 28, 2011

By Kirk Mitchell | Denver Post

The Colorado Department of Corrections has effectively moved the state's death row from Cañon City to Sterling to settle a federal...

5 years after son's murder, mother struggles to redefine her life

July 17, 2010

By Karen Auge | Denver Post

The rhythms and routines of normal life surround Rhonda Fields: the morning rush hours, the 10-hour workdays, the Sunday dinners...

Mother's Day dinner a tonic for survivors

May 8, 2010

Denver Post

( Diego James Robles, The Denver Post ) For Mother's Day, Rhonda Fields' only son would have bought her flowers and gone to church with her...

Man could get death for killing witnes

Apr 16, 2009

Associated Press
AuroraL, Colo.

KUSA - Th A Colorado man could face execution for killing a witness in another killing, Denver authorities say. A jury convicted Sir Mario Owens Wednesday, The Denver Post reported. The penalty phase of the trial begins Monday..

Could you sentence a killer to death?

May 15, 2008

By Jeffrey Wolf 9NEWS.com, CO
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

KUSA - The prosecutor who helped convict the only person sentenced to death in this state in the last 41 years says Arapahoe County jury faces one of the most difficult question jurors will ever have to face in their lives.

Man convicted of murder in deaths CSU student

May 14, 2008

By Steve Saunders Associated Press
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

An Arapahoe County jury convicted Sir Mario Owens Wednesday of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two people, including a man who was scheduled to testify against him..

Jury gets witness-slaying case

May 9, 2008

By Carlos Illescas Denver Post
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

Sir Mario Owens was a cold-blooded killer who ambushed a witness scheduled to testify against Owens' best friend, prosecutors said today during closing arguments..

The next step for witnesses

May 16, 2008

By The Denver Post
DENVER , Colo.

The jury that sat in judgment of Sir Mario Owens sent an unmistakable message: Witness killings will not be tolerated. Since the 2005 murders of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancee Vivian Wolfe in Aurora, Colorado has taken steps toward ensuring that there is an effective program to protect witnesses.

Colorado inmates access the Web through second-hand sites

May 19, 2008

By GARY HARMON Grand Junction Sentinel - The Daily Sentinel
Grand Junction, Colo.

Sir Mario Owens describes himself on his MySpace page as having plenty of time on his hands and being "pretty harmless." .

Death penalty case nearing its end

May 6, 2008

posted by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producer
written by: Chris Vanderveen , Reporter
9 News
ARAPAHOE COUNY, Colo.

For the last four weeks, jurors in the death-penalty trial of Sir Mario Owens have patiently listened to hours of oftentimes emotional testimony.

Defense Rests In Sir Mario Owens Death Penalty Trial

May 6, 2008

By Steve Saunders ABC 7 News
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

After just two days of testimony, defense attorneys have rested their case in the Arapahoe County trial of a man accused of killing two people, including a witness who was scheduled to testify against him.

Prosecution rests in death-penalty murder trial

May 2, 2008

By Charlie Brennan Associated Press News 13
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP)

Arapahoe County prosecutors have rested up their case against a man accused of killing two people, including a witness who was scheduled to testify against him.

Prosecution In Owens' Trial Wraps Up With Victim's Mother

May 2, 2008

By Steve Saunders Channel 7 News
AURORA, Colo.

Prosecutors in the death penalty trial of Sir Mario Owens rested their case Thursday afternoon, ending their case with emotional testimony from the mother of one of the victims.

Jurors cry hearing testimony

Jurors See Graphic Images In Death Penalty Trial

April 28, 2008

Denver 7 News
DENVER

Monday was a tough day for jurors in the murder trial of Sir Mario Owens.Many were shaken and a few cried as prosecutors showed a murder scene video and autopsy pictures of victims Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe

Murder Victims' Mothers Take the Stand

April 25, 2008

By Charlie Brennan FOX 31 reporter
AURORA

The mothers of both victims in the Sir Mario Owens double-murder trial offered emotional testimony Friday in the marathon death penalty case now underway in Arapahoe County District Court..

Victims' Mothers Leave Courtroom In Tears

Sir Mario Owens Trial Enters Third Week
Owens' defense: Murder charge just speculation

April 21, 2008

Denver 7 News
DENVER

The mothers of two homicide victims left an Arapahoe County courtroom in tears Monday as a witness described finding the couple's bodies slumped over in their car..

Yankee hat might be key to trial

Owens' defense: Murder charge just speculation

April 9, 2008

By Julie Poppen Rocky Mountain News


Sir Mario Owens lived by his own criminal code, prosecutors said as his murder trial opened Tuesday: "You snitch, you die.".

Prosecutor: Suspect's Motto Was "You Snitch, You Die"

Testimony Begins In Sir Mario Owens Trial

April 8, 2008

Denver 7 News
CENTENNIAL, Colo.

Prosecutors say 23-year-old Sir Mario Owens, the accused triggerman in the slaying of a witness and his girlfriend, lived by the motto "You snitch, you die."

Proscutioin: "You snitch, you die."

April 8, 2008

By Julie Poppen Rocky Mountain News


Owens is charged in the killings of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, both 22, in the summer of 2005. The young couple was gunned down in their car at an Aurora intersection.

Prosecution says victim targeted for "snitching"

Tuesday, 8 Apr 2008

By Howard Pankratz Denver Post
CENTENNIAL

The day before prosecution witness Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, were killed, an emissary from his killers told him not to testify at an upcoming trial or he would die, prosecutors alleged today during opening statements in the death penalty trial of Sir Mario Owens.

Dying to Testify

Shawn Cerniglia & Carrie Heiden

September 30, 2007

By The Denver Post


In Douglas County, 16-year-old Shawn Cerniglia and his girlfriend, Carrie Heiden, were bound and gagged, stuffed into a car, taken to a field and shot execution-style in 2003. Shawn had watched Caleb Burns and Nathaniel York avenge a drug and money theft - Burns blew out the windows of a house with a shotgun - and they thought he was talking to police.

The next success

Scholarship honoring slain couple buys opportunity for other students

July 9, 2007

By Boyd Fletcher The Aurora Sentinel


Two years after the shooting death of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fianc�e Vivian Wolfe, their families are working to continue the legacy of their children by giving others a chance at higher education. Marshall-Fields expected to be a witness in the murder trial of his friend, Gregory Vann, when he and Wolfe were gunned down in their car at an intersection..

Aurora's top cop

Aurora detective honored by police chiefs for pursuit, dedication in homicide case

June 29, 2007

By Brandon Johansson The Aurora Sentinel


Ever since the moment a young man was shot and killed at Lowry Park on July 4, 2004, there has been little about the case that has been ordinary. There is the extraordinary potential and courage of the victims, Gregory Vann, Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe; and what police say is the extraordinary brutality of the suspects, Robert Ray, Sir Mario Owens and Parrish Carter.

Mother marks two years since son's murder, thanks office

June 21, 2007

posted by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producer
written by: Cheryl Preheim , Anchor/Reporter
9 News.com


(AURORA - The mother of a murder victim says her son was an ordinary hero. On the two year anniversary of his death, Rhonda Fields honored other heroes. "Today is all about celebrating Javad and Vivian's memories not only about the loss of their lives. What we want to do is to recognize people making a difference in our community; ordinary heroes," she said. Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, were gunned down on June 20, 2005 in Aurora. Marshall-Fields was a prosecution witness for the murder of his friend, Gregory Vann. Marshall Fields and Wolfe were killed just a few days before the trial.

Prosecutors Can Seek Death For Murder Suspect

April 1, 2007

CBS 4 News.com written by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producer


(AP) LITTLETON, Colo. Prosecutors will be allowed to seek the death penalty against a suspect in the shooting deaths of a witness and his fiancee after a judge ruled the man received sufficient notice.

Robert Keith Ray is serving a 108-year prison term after he was convicted as an accessory to the 2004 slaying of Gregory Vann. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty at Ray's trial on a first-degree murder charge in the June 2005 shooting deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe.

Ray to face death penalty

Mar 30, 2007

Rocky Mountain News By Felix Doligosa Jr.
AURORA

The death penalty case of one of the men accused of killing Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée will go forward after a judge denied a motion from the defense on Friday.

The judge found that the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office put Robert Ray on sufficient notice that prosecutors were seeking the death penalty.

Death penalty case goes forward

Mar 30, 2007

9 News.com written by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producer
AURORA

The death penalty case of one of the men accused of killing Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée will go forward after a judge denied a motion from the defense on Friday.

The judge found that the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office put Robert Ray on sufficient notice that prosecutors were seeking the death penalty.

Slaying suspect is competent for trial

March 24, 2007, 2:08 p.m. ET

By Rocky Mountain News


Parish Carter, one of three men indicted in the killing of a murder witness, was deemed competent to stand trial Friday in a case in which his two alleged accomplices could face the death penalty.

Carter, 25, was evaluated by the state mental hospital in Pueblo at the request of his attorneys last November before he entered a plea in Arapahoe County District Court.

Flirtatious' jailer faces charges for messages sent to inmate

March 15, 2007, 2:08 p.m. ET

LITTLETON, Colo. (AP)

A female jailer faces misconduct charges for allegedly sending "flirtatious" messages to an inmate convicted in one slaying and awaiting trial in another.

Nicole Sue Beal, 23, is accused of sending letters and making phone calls to Robert Keith Ray, who is serving a 108-year prison term as an accessory to the 2004 murder of Gregory Vann, 20.

Arapahoe Jailer Charged With Contacting Inmate

March 14, 2007, 2:08 p.m. ET

(AP) LITTLETON, Colo.

n Arapahoe County jailer has been suspended without pay and charged with criminal misconduct after authorities say she had inappropriate contact with a prison inmate accused of shooting witnesses to a murder.

Jailer Nicole Sue Beal, 23, faces charges of introducing contraband in the first degree and first-degree official misconduct, officials said Tuesday. She was suspended from the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office without pay and is free on $200,000 bond, according to the sheriff's office.

Chambers Seeks Death Penalty In Aurora Murders

Feb 21, 2007 11:01 am US/Mountain

(AP) AURORA, Colo.

rosecutors said Wednesday they will seek the death penalty against two men accused of killing a witness in a murder case and his fiancee.

Sir Mario Owens and Robert Ray face first-degree murder charges in the June 2005 shooting deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe, both 22.

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty In Witness' Murder

Javad Marshall-Fields, Fiancee Killed Week Before Testifying In Trial

February 21, 2007

Rocky Mountain News By Ivan Moreno
ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers told 7NEWS that she will seek the death penalty in the shooting deaths of Javad Marshall Fields and his fiancee Vivian Wolfe.

During a Wednesday morning news conference, Chambers announced the decision to seek the death penalty for both Sir Mario Owens and Robert Ray

DA to seek death penalty in killing of 2 on eve of trial

February 21, 2007

By Rocky Mountain News


Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers told a Denver television station Tuesday that she will seek the death penalty in the June 2005 slayings of Javad Marshall Fields and his fiancee Vivian Wolfe.

Fields was scheduled to testify in a murder trial against Sir Mario Owens, one of the men who is now charged with killing him and Wolfe.

DA to seek death penalty in witness slaying

February 21, 2007

Rocky Mountain News By Ivan Moreno


Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers announced this morning she will seek the death penalty against two men accused of killing a witness to a homicide.

Chambers said she could not talk about specific evidence against Sir Mario Owens and Robert Ray, who stand accused in the death of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée Vivian Wolfe. .

Golf tourney keeps memory alive

Web Posted 9/20/2006 1:56:00

By JC O'Connell


A Sept. 14 golf tournament raised more than $10,000 to send students to college and preserve the memories of a young man who kept golf clubs in the trunk of his car, and the young woman who planned to marry him.

Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, were gunned down at an Aurora intersection more than two years ago, but their families are determined to honor the two Colorado State University graduates with a memorial fund in their names.

New witness protection law in their names a fitting legacy for murdered young couple

June 21, 2006

Rocky Mountain News By Javier Erik Olvera
AURORA

Holding hands, two mothers - brought together by their children's love and tied by their deaths - made their way into a memorial service Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the day their kids were killed.

They didn't say a word as they took their seats to remember Javad Marshall Fields, who was shot to death with his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, a week before he was to testify in a murder trial.

Slain witnesses' mothers remember

June 18, 2006

Rocky Mountain News By Javier Erik Olvera
AURORA

A year has passed, but their pain remains fresh. It creeps in everywhere - driving around town, walking into their homes, seeing their children's photos.

But mostly, Rhonda Fields and Christine Wolfe feel it when they come face to face with the three men accused of killing their children.

The two - introduced by their children's love and bound together by their deaths - are holding a memorial Tuesday to mark the first-year anniversary of their death.

"I'm learning to deal with the pain, but it's something you can never forget," said Fields, an airport operations trainer for United Airlines.

UNDER THE DOME

Bill seeks to protect witnesses

May 20, 2006

By The Denver Post DenverPost.com


The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday unanimously approved a bill to require mandatory training for law-enforcement officials about the state's witness-protection program.

The Colorado witness protection board would develop the training materials and make them available to district attorneys and law-enforcement officials across the state. House Bill 1379, sponsored by Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, was drafted after the June 2005 shooting deaths of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, one week before he was scheduled to testify in a murder trial. "If we allow criminals to control our courtrooms, they will ultimately control the law in our streets," said Rhonda Fields, mother of Marshall-Fields. The bill now goes to the full House.

Witness-slaying case inspires bill

March 17, 2006

By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News


Prosecutors, victim advocates and law enforcement agencies would have to be trained annually on a witness-protection program, under a bill proposed Thursday.

"The purpose of this legislation is to be proactive in asking the right questions," Rep. Mike Garcia, D-Aurora, said Thursday during a news conference on the east steps of the state Capitol. The proposed legislation is in response to the shooting deaths June 20 of Javad Marshall-Fields, 22, and his fiancee, Vivian Wolfe, 22.

The mothers of Marshall-Fields and Wolfe both spoke Thursday in support of the bill, which also would rename the existing state witness-protection program after their children.

Case taking a toll on state witness-protection funds

March 11, 2006

Javier Erik Olvera, Rocky Mountain News


A double homicide in Aurora has cost the state more money in witness protection than any other case in the fund's history, officials said. And the number of witnesses in this case who are turning to authorities for assistance is growing. During the past year, more than $46,500 has been tapped from the witness protection fund to help relocate seven people who told Arapahoe County prosecutors they feared for their lives if they didn't move. The witnesses are considered crucial in the case against Robert Ray, Sir Mario Owens and Parish Carter, who were indicted this week on several charges, including killing a witness.

Case taking a toll on state witness-protection funds

March 11, 2006

Javier Erik Olvera, Rocky Mountain News


A double homicide in Aurora has cost the state more money in witness protection than any other case in the fund's history, officials said. And the number of witnesses in this case who are turning to authorities for assistance is growing. During the past year, more than $46,500 has been tapped from the witness protection fund to help relocate seven people who told Arapahoe County prosecutors they feared for their lives if they didn't move. The witnesses are considered crucial in the case against Robert Ray, Sir Mario Owens and Parish Carter, who were indicted this week on several charges, including killing a witness.

Relatives Mark Birthday Of Slain Young Man

Jan 30, 2006 8:20 am US/Mountain

(CBS4) WHEAT RIDGE, Colo.

The family of Javad Marshall-Fields gathered at his gravesite Sunday afternoon as way to keep his memory alive on what would have been his 23rd birthday. His relatives haven't given up hope of finding justice for the people responsible for killing Marshall-Fields and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe.

Marshall-Fields' family released balloons at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery to celebrate how the young couple lived.

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Trial Comes To Close In 2004 Killing

Killing Allegedly Led To Shooting Of Witness, Fiancée

Oct 31, 2006

Kristy Armstrong, Staff Writer
DENVER

The fate of a man on trial for the July 4, 2004, killing of Gregory Vann, will soon be in the hands of a jury.

Closing arguments are expected to take place Wednesday in the trial of Robert Keith Ray.

Ray is accused of being the person who drove the getaway car in the shooting and killing of Vann at Lowry Park in Aurora. He is charged with being an accessory to Vann's murder.

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Another Arrest Made In July 2004 Aurora Shooting

Dec 26, 2005 7:00 am US/Mountain

(AP) AURORA, Colo.

Another person has been arrested in an investigation into a July 2004 shooting death and a possibly related double slaying in June.

Police said Percy Alvin Carter Sr., 45, was arrested Thursday for investigation of being an accessory to murder in a shooting July 4, 2004, at a park where Gregory Vann, 20, was killed and two people were injured.

One of those injured was Javad Marshall-Fields, 22, who along with his fiancee, Vivian Wolfe, 22, was shot to death June 20. Marshall-Fields had been scheduled to testify against Robert Keith Ray, 21, one of the suspects in Vann's death. No arrests have been made in the couple's deaths.

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Extradition Hearing Set For Murder Suspect

Dec 12, 2005 9:56 am US/Mountain

(AP) AURORA, Colo.

A man wanted in connection with a triple-shooting in Aurora was expected to appear in court for an extradition hearing Monday in Louisiana. Shreveport, L.A. police tried to pull over 21-year-old Sir Mario Owens for a loud stereo Nov 6.

Officers caught up with him after a car chase and foot pursuit.

Owens was one of three suspects in the July 2004 shooting of three people at Aurora's Lowry Park. Gregory Vann, 20, died and two other men were wounded.

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Aurora Murder Suspect Arrested In Louisiana

Nov 7, 2005 4:26 pm US/Mountain

CBS4
SHREVEPORT, LA

Police in Louisiana arrested a suspect wanted for murder and the shootings of two men in Aurora. Investigators said suspect Sir Mario Owens, 21, fled Colorado to Louisiana soon after the shootings that happened last year during a 4th of July celebration at Lowry Park.

Robert Keith Ray, 20, and Davinia Ray, 26, were also allegedly involved in the shootings that led to the death of Gregory Vann.

One of the men injured in the altercation was Javad Marshall-Fields. He was supposed to testify in the first trial related to Vann's murder, but he and his fiancee, Vivian Wolfe, were both shot and killed just before he was due in court.

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