LITTLETON, Colorado – The family of a man who was brutally murdered nearly five years ago is expressing concern about the potential parole of a woman who was involved in the disposal of the victim’s dismembered body. Lila Atencio, who was 17 at the time of the crime, is set to appear before the Colorado State Board of Parole just months after being sentenced to six years in prison.
Joseph Brinson, 28, was shot to death at his rural Jefferson County home on Jan. 16, 2019. Atencio, along with two other men, helped dismember Brinson’s body and disposed of the remains in a remote part of eastern Arapahoe County. Despite her involvement, Atencio is the only one of the three perpetrators who has not received a substantial prison sentence.
The tension between Brinson and his roommate, William Irvine, led to the fatal altercation. Following an argument, Irvine made comments to his friends about killing Brinson. Atencio and another accomplice, Blake Quinlan, were involved in the planning and execution of the murder, including covering the basement in plastic and purchasing materials to set up a marijuana grow, which was never carried out.
After Brinson was shot and killed, Atencio and Quinlan helped dispose of his body and even used his credit card at a restaurant following the murder. The two men were eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison and 46 years in prison, respectively.
Atencio initially cooperated with authorities, leading them to Brinson’s head and testifying against Quinlan as part of a plea agreement. She pleaded guilty to being an accessory to a crime and conspiring to tamper with a body, and her sentencing included two years of work-release and six years of probation. However, she violated the terms of her work-release and probation, leading to a re-sentencing where she was sentenced to six years in prison.
The parole eligibility of Atencio, just months after being re-sentenced, has raised concerns among Brinson’s family and prosecutors. Despite her cooperation with authorities, they believe that she should not be released from prison due to the severity of her involvement in the crime.
As the parole hearing approaches, Brinson’s family is preparing to speak against Atencio’s release, emphasizing the devastation they have experienced and their belief that she has not been adequately punished for her role in the murder. They are determined to prevent her from being released back into society, citing her lack of remorse and the horrific nature of the crime.
The case continues to raise questions about the justice system’s handling of serious crimes and the consequences for those involved in such heinous acts. The family’s determination to advocate against Atencio’s release highlights the personal impact of the crime and the ongoing struggle for justice in their quest to find closure.