COLORADO SPRINGS — The suspect in the Club Q mass shooting, Anderson Lee Aldrich, arrived in court at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and entered a guilty plea to five counts of murder in the first degree, guilty to 46 counts of attempted murder in the first degree, and no contest to two bias-motivated crimes as a part of a plea deal with prosecutors.
On June, 26, the District Attorney of the State of Colorado 4th Judicial District held the Club Q Press Conference after the sentencing of the Club Q shooter.
District Attorney, Michael Allen was one of the first to speak. As well as, CSPD Chief of Police, Adrian Vasquez; Mayor of Colorado Springs, Yemi Mobolade; Former Mayor of Colorado Springs, John Suthers; FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Office, Mark Michalek; CSFD Deputy Fire Chief, Jayme McConnellogue; and Owner of Club Q, Matthew Haynes. Survivors and families also spoke to the public at the press conference.
The shooter was sentenced to 5 consecutive life sentences plus 48 years for each attempted murder charge, totaling 2,208 years.
District Attorney Michael Allen said it’s the longest sentence ever achieved in the 4th Judicial District and the second-longest sentence in Colorado.
DA Allen spoke about the response times from CSPD and CSFD on the night of the Club Q shooting.
"Cases of this magnitude are rarely resolved this quickly... the efforts of both of those agencies undoubtedly saved lives," DA Allen said.
DA Allen responded to Aldrich claiming to be non-binary.
“There’s zero evidence prior to the shooting that he was non-binary… I think it was an effort to avoid any potential bias-motivated hate crimes or charges," DA Allen said.
DA Allen repeatedly called Aldrich a coward and called his actions cowardly.
DA Allen suspects the convicted Club Q shooter will be put in a maximum security prison. He said he hopes the defendant will serve out the sentence in the "smallest and most uncomfortable cell" that can be provided.
DA Allen mentioned the death penalty still matters even if it’s not the law in the state of Colorado. He added, that the threat of the death penalty in the federal system motivated the defendant to take a plea deal.
DA Allen went on to say the death penalty should exist in Colorado, but the victims and survivors of Club Q were robbed of seeing the defendant face the death penalty because of changes in the law a few years ago.
CSPD Chief of Police, Adrian Vasquez, said, “Today, we have some solace that justice was swift… Today, we remember those we lost, those who were injured, and all of those people still recovering.”
Chief Vasquez said they will continue to pursue justice at the federal level, and will not be releasing any evidence, documents, or videos at this time. He added when the judicial process at the federal level has finished, they will release evidence then.
Colorado Springs Mayor, Yemi Mobolade, said, "Today justice has been served… However, the fight for justice and healing must continue... Today and every day we remember the victims of Club Q.”
Mayor Mobolade said the pain of this tragedy still lingers, but he’s proud of the community’s efforts to come together to heal and remember. He was seen hugging family members of the victims, including the family of Raymond Green Vance.
He said he’s also proud of the people who helped save many lives on the night of November 19, 2022.
Former Colorado Springs Mayor, John Suthers, said, “This is the best possible disposition that could have taken place. Justice was achieved to the maximum degree allowed under the laws in the state of Colorado.”
While addressing victims and their families, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Office, Mark Michalek, said “We stood with you then, we stand with you now and we will stand with you in the future."
CSFD, Deputy Fire Chief, Jayme McConnellogue, acknowledges the "village" it took between fire crews, officers, and hospital staff on the night of the Club Q shooting.
“We will always be saddened by the lives that were lost and our inability to save all who were put in harm's way,” Chief McConnellogue said.
The owner of Club Q, Matthew Haynes, addressed the media, victims, and survivors of the shooting. Haynes said rebuilding efforts at Club Q are underway as the location will stay the same. He added that they're working with the FBI and CSPD to create a plan, which includes metal detectors and "duck and hide" areas.
"There's no prison sentence... there's nothing that can be done to make these holes whole," Haynes said.
The remainder of the press conference gave survivors and families a chance to speak.
Daniel Aston's parents, Sabrina and Jeff Aston spoke about watching the Club Q shooter at the court sentencing.
"He's a coward for not even speaking up. I'm still in shock mode right now... I just felt hollow. It's not enough closure. Not even close," said Sabrina and Jeff, parents to Daniel Aston.
The suspect previously faced more than 300 counts. Aldrich has been sentenced to five consecutive life sentences in the Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, and 46 consecutive 48-year sentences for the attempted murders of all the survivors.
The shooter will also be serving three years on a class five felony of a bias-motivated crime, and 364 days on a class one misdemeanor of a bias-motivated crime.
Judge Michael McHenry said the potential punishment for first-degree murder crimes includes five consecutive life sentences with the Colorado Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole, and additional punishments for attempted murder and bias-motivated crimes. Sentencing is still to be determined.
The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office said it will not speak publicly about the case until Monday.
The plea entry can be watched below:
The expected press conference from the District Attorney's Office and city leaders will be live-streamed below:
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About the victims:
Five people were killed in the Club Q shooting, including Daniel Davis Aston, Derrick Rump, Ashley Paugh, Kelly Loving, and Raymond Green Vance. 17 others were injured.
"I forgive this individual [Aldrich] as they are a symbol of a broken system of hate pushed against us as a community," said Wyatt Kent, Aston's partner, during victim impact statements on Monday.
Daniel Davis Aston was described as the 'baby' of the club. He was a key figure in the club and would light up any room he entered.
"He had so many people that loved him and will honor his memory. Daniel Aaston will not be forgotten," said Sabrina, a loved one of Aston's who was in court on Monday.
Aston was working as a bartender on the night of the shooting.
"You robbed me of a life with another son ... You will never understand the devastation you've done. This will haunt us for the rest of our lives," said Kent's mother to Aldrich in court on Monday.
His friends and family said Aston had a way with words like no other, and if you heard his poetry you would be moved. He had a love for Walt Whitman.
Derrick Rump was known as a face of Club Q. He was also working as a bartender the night of the shooting.
"Some of us talked to Derrick every day, and some of us spoke to him once in a while, but we all love Derrick just the same," said Jimmy Blackman, Derrick's cousin, in a recording presented in court during Monday's proceedings.
Family and friends described Rump as "Genuine, kind, and welcoming," some of his friends knew him for his tough love.
They said Rump could make people recognize their own "faults and flaws," and that he was a hero and would stand up for people in the club and was a protector of many.
Ashley Paugh was a mother from La Junta on a girl's night with a friend during the night of the shooting. She was at the club after seeing a comedian she liked earlier in the night.
"My wife, my best friend, and the mother of my child is gone," said Curt Paugh, Ashley's husband, during Monday's impact statements.
Paugh was an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and was working with members across Colorado to help them foster at-risk and homeless youth. Ryleigh, Ashley's daughter, was her world.
"My 11-year-old niece [Ryleigh] said she wants to forgive you [Aldrich] because she said that's what her mommy [Ashley] would want her to do," said Stephanie Clark, Ashley's sister, during Monday's impact statements.
Kelly Loving, originally from Memphis, Tennessee was at Club Q on the night of the shooting after making a trip down from Denver.
"I love my sister dearly. I miss her so much. I can't help but feel robbed ... I don't want to let my sadness turn to anger," said Loving's attorney on behalf of Loving's family.
Kelly's family described her as, "loving, always trying to help the next person out, instead of thinking of herself." Her memorial service was held in Mississippi.
Raymond Green Vance was a graduate of Sand Creek High School and was there celebrating a birthday with his girlfriend. His family described him as, a "tall, handsome, gentle giant."
He was described as someone willing to help anyone in need and had just gotten a new job.
"Lives were taken, families disrupted, plans destroyed, and somehow the families all need to find a way to go on," said Adrianna Vance, Raymond's mother, on behalf of the Vance family during Monday's victim impact statement.
The family said they continue to learn something every day from Raymond each time the sun comes out.
"What matters now is that he never gets to see a sunrise or sunset," said Adrianna on Monday.
About the heroes:
Richard Fierro and Thomas James (identified by Colorado Springs' former Mayor John Suthers) apprehended the suspected shooter.
Fierro has been named a hero with accolades and honors including the Lifesaving Military Hero of the Year Award, attendance at President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address, and being gifted tickets to the Super Bowl from the LA Chargers.
Fierro is a former Army major and an Iraqi war veteran. Fierro was celebrating a birthday with his wife, daughter, and his daughter’s boyfriend, Raymond Green Vance, at the time of the shooting.
"9/11/2001 was my first 9/11; 11/19/22, my second 9/11. My friends and family were forced into combat together," said Fierro during victim impact statements on Monday.
Fierro acted when the shooting slowed and he noticed the suspect was making their way toward the patio where Fierro's wife escaped. He said he grabbed the shooter by their "armor" and pulled the suspect down. This is when he was able to subdue the shooter.
"I want [Aldrich] to know his evil was stopped by a person of color, by LGBTQ folks, by a trans woman, by actual combat veterans, real heroes," said Fierro in court on Monday.
Community response:
The Colorado Springs community showed its support to a community shaken by gun violence in the aftermath of the shooting. A makeshift memorial with hundreds of flowers, signs, letters, and candles appeared at the scene of the shooting, quickly following the shooting.
Vigils were held by a variety of churches across the Colorado Springs community. Restaurants joined in donating and honoring the victims following the shooting. The Parasol Patrol showed up to a march of solidarity for the Club Q survivors and other community members, "we will face the world armed with love", said those during the march.
Following the shooting Pikes Peak Pride announced changes to the Pikes Peak Pride parade, notably moving it to June in line with Pride Month after historically being celebrated in July in Colorado Springs. This also was followed by the parade being dedicated to the victims and survivors of the shooting. Richard Fierro was named the grand marshal of the parade which provided a space for healing, grieving, and celebration of life.
About the survivors:
10 survivors of the shooting announced their intent to sue the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, earlier this month, over failure to use Colorado’s red flag law, which would have prevented the suspect from having weapons.
They claim that the sheriff’s office should have used the law against the alleged gunman after a bomb threat two years ago in the Lorson Ranch neighborhood.
Meanwhile, there is an ongoing controversy surrounding donations made to the Colorado Healing Fund intended for victims of the shooting. A group of just over a half dozen victims said the Colorado Healing Fund is holding donation money meant for them.
The Healing Fund provided information to News5 showing there has been $3.2 million collected by the non-profit and just over $2 million have been disbursed to victims and programs to aid them.
Victim response experts created their model to address the short-term, intermediate, and long-term needs of victims.
About the club:
Club Q is one of two LGBTQ nightclubs in Colorado Springs. For over 20 years, Club Q has served as a safe space for the LGBTQ community. News5’s Ashley Portillo spoke with Jason Jusell, an employee of Club Q last June.
Jusell explained why the club is located where it is, tucked away just off North Academy Boulevard.
“Club Q opened up so that it was, intentionally, just slightly out of the way so that people wouldn't see you going there, and that way, the gay military men would have a space that they would be able to feel safe and welcome at,” said Jusell.
Former Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers spoke with NBC’s Today Show, following the shooting, and reiterated that Club Q had not been a problem in the past and that it is a safe space for the LGBTQ community.
"Police indicate that this club has been operating for over 21 years. During that time, it's been extremely well managed. Very, very few calls for service," Suthers said.
Moving forward:
The owners of Club Q unveiled new designs in April for the club to reopen, including a memorial to honor the victims of the shooting.
"We've got to re-open; we cannot let this define us," said Haynes. Haynes told News5 he knew 10 days after the shooting that they would re-open.
The plans for the new building include five 12-foot engraved pillars in honor of each of the lives lost in the shooting, surrounding a 40-foot flagpole with the Progress Pride Flag waving through the air that will be lit day and night.
Next to the memorial are plans to lay 17 boulders, one for each person injured by gunfire, and a security wall for people visiting the memorial to have some privacy.
"We've been consulting with the FBI and the Colorado Springs Police Department…Should we have to be thinking about this? No, but this is where we live today, and this is what we need to do," said Haynes.
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