Denver, Colorado – The mother of Christian Glass sat in the courtroom as the jury delivered a verdict on former deputy Andrew Buen, who fatally shot her son after he called 911 for help. The jury found Buen guilty of reckless endangerment but could not reach a decision on the more serious charges of second-degree murder and 1st-degree official misconduct.
The case unfolded in a small courthouse in Georgetown, Colorado, where Sally and Simon Glass awaited justice for their son, who tragically lost his life in a police encounter. The incident, which took place in a remote mountain town late at night, prompted a legal battle that lasted nearly two years. The parents fought not only to seek justice for their son but also to bring about changes in police practices to prevent similar tragedies.
After intense deliberations, the jury’s decision left the Glass family with mixed emotions. While they found some solace in Buen’s conviction for reckless endangerment, the unresolved charges of murder and misconduct left them uncertain about the future. The prosecutor’s office is now considering retrial options as Buen faces upcoming court hearings for sentencing.
The tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night in 2022 sparked a wave of activism from the Glass family, leading to a landmark $19 million settlement from Colorado agencies. The settlement, the largest in state history, aims to improve crisis response training for law enforcement officers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the legal battle continues, the Glass family remains resolute in their pursuit of justice for Christian. Their relentless efforts have not only sought accountability for their son’s death but also sparked crucial conversations about police accountability and the need for more effective crisis intervention tactics. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics at play in police encounters, underscoring the importance of de-escalation and community-centered approaches to public safety.