Shooter to receive life in prison for murder of Golden man
A man was found guilty of murder and will be sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting a Golden man last year, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office announced.
William Taft, 50, was convicted of first-degree murder after deliberation, attempted first-degree murder after deliberation, tampering with evidence, using a large capacity magazine during a crime and possession of a defaced firearm.
Because of the severity of the charges, Taft will be sentenced to life in prison on July 30, according to the district attorney’s office.
The charges stem from the murder of 40-year-old Michael Bryan on Oct. 24, 2020, at 5080 McIntyre St. in Golden.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the address, finding Bryan lying on the ground outside of the house. He appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound and was not breathing, deputies said.
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Bryan was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Taft lived on the property where Bryan was found, according to the arrest affidavit.
Taft and Bryan were described as acquaintances and are alleged to have been engaged in a physical altercation when Bryan was shot, the district attorney’s office said.
Senior Deputy District Attorneys Alexandra Brady and Chandler Grant represented the People of the State of Colorado at trial. They are expected to provide additional information about the case during the sentencing on July 30.
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