When one thinks of Chuck E. Cheese's, it is usually with a distinct terror similarly provoked by clowns or by trips to the dentist's office; it is, by no stretch of the imagination, a rational fear. However, as we are reminded in light of recent news of the tragic murders that took place at a Chuck E. Cheese's in Aurora, Colo., in 1993, perhaps that fear had solidified into something more tangible.
After 20 years, perpetrator Nathan Dunlap has had his death penalty appeal denied by the U.S. Supreme Court, and will likely be executed, according to Enstarz.com.During his trial, Dunlap was documented as saying to a doctor during evaluation, "I'm gonna play crazy as long as I can ... The police have no case against me, they're stupid." Yahoo News also reports that the criminal showed little remorse, remarking that he felt nothing for his four former co-workers, Margaret Kohlberg, 50, Sylvia Crowell, 19, Benjamin Grant, 17, and 17-year-old Colleen O'Connor, whom he shot and killed, saying that they meant nothing to him and that he would do it again. The sentenced man's crime was inspired after he was fired from Chuck E. Cheese's in 1993.
Dunlap is Colorado's longest-serving death row inmate at 20 years and will be the first man to face capital punishment in Colorado since killer Gary Lee Davis' 1997 execution. After spending roughly half his life behind bars, Dunlap has been denied his best chance to avoid the death penalty. The Huffington Post notes that while he and his attorneys may continue to appeal, his sentencing and execution date will not be delayed, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied him. The Denver Post reports on the assailant's next steps and outlook.
"Dunlap's attorneys said they were disappointed by the decision. They declined to comment on whether they would attempt additional appeals. They are also working on a petition for clemency to send to Gov. John Hickenlooper [...] 'Mr. Dunlap should spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole,' said Phil Cherner, one of two attorneys representing Dunlap in his appeal. 'What happened is tragic. But taking his life isn't going to change that.'"
The death penalty is a heated issue in the state, with a repeal bill likely to be introduced into Colorado legislature this year. Bob Crowell, a father of one of the victims, Sylvia Crowell, may not be too keen on the idea of Dunlap receiving clemency. TheDenverChannel.com quoted Crowell describing the effect that the murder has had on his life.
"It left a big hole in our family, of course, and 13 1/2 years is way longer than the process should take. Slow justice is no justice [...] Don't get me wrong. I am not a violent type guy, I just think the public deserves justice."
Below is Chuck E. Cheese's employee training video produced in 1993, the same year as the infamous murders.
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