AURORA | The situation regarding two Venezuelan immigrants beaten at the Edge at Lowry apartment complex is becoming clearer, as police announced the arrest of 19 individuals. From those arrested, 16 are under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, pending deportation and three others have been exonerated and released.
Details of the Incident
The violence that Chief of Police Todd Chamberlain referred to as “torture” in a police briefing commenced on Monday night, late. According to reports, with arms in hand, the assailants broke into the victims’ apartment, abducted them and relocated them to an unoccupied apartment within the same complex. The victims, a male and female who are likely Venezuelan immigrants, endured an onslaught that included a pistol-whipping, beatings, and multiple stabbings over a span of hours.
It should not be forgotten, especially in light of the allegations, that they step forward and reported this crime. There is remarkable bravery displayed by the victims – Chamberlain said during a conference. Minor injuries and other ailments for which they require medical assistance were reported by the victims.
Suspects and Gang Links
The case took a notable twist when ICE has confirmed that 16 of the arrested suspects are unauthorized Venezuelan nationals in the US. ICE has reasons to believe that they could be connected with the infamous Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang at the heart of many national emotions regarding immigration and security.
“These individuals will remain in ICE custody until they are removed or other proceedings before an immigration judge,” an ICE spokesperson said.
It is proving difficult however, to determine the gang linkages due to the absence of identifiable markers, but attention is being paid to any associations related to TDA or other gangs.
Supplementary Baton And Discharging
Police in Aurora initially rounded up 14 persons but then proceeded to search more flats that were connected to the crime resulting in five more arrests being made. According to police spokesperson Joe Moylan, three of the arrested persons were absolved and released.
“We are still collecting statements from suspects and gathering evidence to identify those responsible for this heinous act,” Moylan said.
A Focus on the Edge at Lowry
The Edge at Lowry has always been infamous for crime and violence and was even the center of media attention because of the multiple incidents involving these. People have time and again accused the complex’s management, CBZ Management, allowing deterioration and crime in the structure.
“I’ve been there. It’s squalor,” Chamberlain stated, further claiming that property owners should take responsibility for such situations.
The problem is that the immigrant population is increasing rapidly and many of them are ill equipped and are easy to manipulate and abuse, as stated by city staff.
A Neighborhood Vulnerable
This incident highlights the greater issue of the vulnerability of immigrants present in Aurora. Chief Chamberlain stressed the need of providing safety to immigrants to eliminate fear of approaching authorities to report crimes.
“It is our utmost duty to ensure that every resident is safe, regardless of whether they have immigration issues,” he said.
These victims of the attack have now been reported to the police and the investigation is now active with the police being involved.
A Demand for Responsibility
City leaders including Mike Coffman the mayor have assured to tackle the crime in the area. Each metropolitan area has to address the concentrated areas of crime, and Fairfield went on to say, ‘but focused elements do not define our city as a whole.’
The authorities are threatening to close down the Edge at Lowry Complex due to consistent security violations the place has. Residents’ evictions might start as early as January this time, bearing similarities to eviction measures that have been undertaken at another CBZ property.
A Path Forward
For now, Aurora police remain focused on resolving this case and ensuring justice is done in regard to the victims. “We do not run from the problem,” said Chamberlain, “We are going to take it, and we are going to solve it.”
This particular case has opened a door for further research that looks at ways to safeguard underprivileged crime-ridden neighborhoods emphasizing on the need to take action against the landlords and the people committing crimes.
