Suspect in Leadville stabbing incident charged with murder
LEADVILLE — A Lakewood man was arraigned Monday on first-degree murder charges after allegedly stabbing a Leadville man to death last week.
Matthew James Haley, 30, allegedly fled after a barroom argument with Jordan Robert Gausman turned deadly, and Gausman was stabbed to death. Haley turned himself in around noon Saturday to the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office in southern Colorado.
Haley was transported to the Lake County jail and arraigned Monday. He will be charged with first-degree murder, said District Attorney Bruce Brown.
Police say Gausman, 31, had worked in Leadville bars and restaurants for nearly 10 years. Most recently, he was the Silver Dollar Saloon’s kitchen manager and cook.
Witnesses say a May 2 barroom argument started between Gausman and Haley, who was reportedly camping in the area. Reports state that the argument grew heated and when Gausman stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, Haley followed him. A physical encounter followed and Gausman suffered a fatal stab wound.
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In Monday’s arraignment, prosecutors asked that Haley be held without bond.
“We want him held without bond until a jury determines his guilt or lack thereof,” Brown said.
Haley will be represented by an attorney from the Public Defenders Office.
If convicted, the mandatory sentence is life without the possibility of parole.
Staff Writer Randy Wyrick can be reached at 970-748-2935 or rwyrick@vaildaily.com.