Man convicted for shooting and killing 63-year-old while trying to break up fight in Denver park

A man was convicted of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a large capacity magazine by a Denver jury on Monday. Trahavonie Smith shot and killed 63-year-old Garry Arellano while he was trying to break up a fight between two teenage girls at La-Alma-Lincoln Park nearly three years ago. Arellano’s death was described as a senseless tragedy by Denver District Attorney John Walsh, who stated that justice has been served with the guilty verdict. Smith faces up to 48 years in prison and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11. The incident occurred on April 27, 2022, with authorities revealing that one of the girls involved in the fight was Smith’s girlfriend. The victim, Arellano, was praised for trying to intervene and stop the altercation, only to be fatally shot by Smith. The news release from the Denver District Attorney’s Office mentioned that the verdict ensures accountability for Smith’s decision to take the life of someone who was doing the right thing. The community and loved ones of Garry Arellano can hopefully find some comfort in knowing that justice has been served in this tragic case.