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Intimidation of victims and witnesses undermines the functioning of the justice system by denying critical evidence to police and prosecutors. This long-standing problem also erodes confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens. Below are recent articles on the progress of the case, as well as news on Foundation events.
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Personal Tragedies Prompt ActionWinter, 2011The University of Northern ColoradoCourageous UNC alums focus on helping others after suffering through a parent's worst nightmare... ![]() Rhonda Fields: 'Stick to your principles'Jan 24, 2011The Aurora SentinelNavigating 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 yearsAugust 26, 2010By SARA CASTELLANOS | The Aurora SentinelCarter'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 legislatorJan. 14, 20119news.comDENVER - 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 yearsAugust 26, 2010By SARA CASTELLANOS | The Aurora SentinelCarter'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, 2010TaRhonda Thomas reports. 9NEWS at 5 p.m.![]() Aurora witness killer formally sentenced to deathMay 5, 2010Denver PostBy 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 deathMay 5, 2010The Aurora SentinelRhonda 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 EventJune 20, 2009![]() Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund Receives $300,000 Gift at 1870 DinnerJanuary 2010Denver, COThe 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 EventJune 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 CourageJune 17, 2009Denver, CORhonda 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 CeremonyJune 9, 2009Rhonda 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
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![]() Colorado moves death-row inmates so they can exercise outdoorsJuly 28, 2011By Kirk Mitchell | Denver PostThe 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 lifeJuly 17, 2010By Karen Auge | Denver PostThe 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 survivorsMay 8, 2010Denver 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 witnesApr 16, 2009Associated PressAuroraL, 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, 2008By Jeffrey Wolf 9NEWS.com, COCENTENNIAL, 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 studentMay 14, 2008By Steve Saunders Associated PressCENTENNIAL, 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 caseMay 9, 2008By Carlos Illescas Denver PostCENTENNIAL, 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 witnessesMay 16, 2008By The Denver PostDENVER , 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 sitesMay 19, 2008By GARY HARMON Grand Junction Sentinel - The Daily SentinelGrand 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 endMay 6, 2008posted by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producerwritten 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 TrialMay 6, 2008By Steve Saunders ABC 7 NewsCENTENNIAL, 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 trialMay 2, 2008By Charlie Brennan Associated Press News 13CENTENNIAL, 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 MotherMay 2, 2008By Steve Saunders Channel 7 NewsAURORA, 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 testimonyJurors See Graphic Images In Death Penalty TrialApril 28, 2008Denver 7 NewsDENVER 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 StandApril 25, 2008By Charlie Brennan FOX 31 reporterAURORA 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 TearsSir Mario Owens Trial Enters Third WeekOwens' defense: Murder charge just speculation April 21, 2008Denver 7 NewsDENVER 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 trialOwens' defense: Murder charge just speculationApril 9, 2008By Julie Poppen Rocky Mountain NewsSir 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 TrialApril 8, 2008Denver 7 NewsCENTENNIAL, 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, 2008By Julie Poppen Rocky Mountain NewsOwens 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 2008By Howard Pankratz Denver PostCENTENNIAL 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 TestifyShawn Cerniglia & Carrie HeidenSeptember 30, 2007By The Denver PostIn 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 successScholarship honoring slain couple buys opportunity for other studentsJuly 9, 2007By Boyd Fletcher The Aurora SentinelTwo 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 copAurora detective honored by police chiefs for pursuit, dedication in homicide caseJune 29, 2007By Brandon Johansson The Aurora SentinelEver 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 officeJune 21, 2007posted by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producerwritten 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 SuspectApril 1, 2007CBS 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 penaltyMar 30, 2007Rocky 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 forwardMar 30, 20079 News.com written by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web ProducerAURORA 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 trialMarch 24, 2007, 2:08 p.m. ETBy Rocky Mountain NewsParish 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 inmateMarch 15, 2007, 2:08 p.m. ETLITTLETON, 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 InmateMarch 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 MurdersFeb 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' MurderJavad Marshall-Fields, Fiancee Killed Week Before Testifying In TrialFebruary 21, 2007Rocky Mountain News By Ivan MorenoARAPAHOE 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 trialFebruary 21, 2007By Rocky Mountain NewsArapahoe 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 slayingFebruary 21, 2007Rocky Mountain News By Ivan MorenoArapahoe 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 aliveWeb Posted 9/20/2006 1:56:00By JC O'ConnellA 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 coupleJune 21, 2006Rocky Mountain News By Javier Erik OlveraAURORA 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 rememberJune 18, 2006Rocky Mountain News By Javier Erik OlveraAURORA 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 DOMEBill seeks to protect witnessesMay 20, 2006By The Denver Post DenverPost.comThe 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 billMarch 17, 2006By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain NewsProsecutors, 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 fundsMarch 11, 2006Javier Erik Olvera, Rocky Mountain NewsA 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 fundsMarch 11, 2006Javier Erik Olvera, Rocky Mountain NewsA 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 ManJan 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. Download PDF of Article ![]() Trial Comes To Close In 2004 KillingKilling Allegedly Led To Shooting Of Witness, FiancéeOct 31, 2006Kristy Armstrong, Staff WriterDENVER 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. Download PDF of Article ![]() Another Arrest Made In July 2004 Aurora ShootingDec 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. Download PDF of Article ![]() Extradition Hearing Set For Murder SuspectDec 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. Download PDF of Article ![]() Aurora Murder Suspect Arrested In LouisianaNov 7, 2005 4:26 pm US/MountainCBS4SHREVEPORT, 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. Download PDF of Article ![]() |
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