AURORA | Aurora police say they have confirmed that the stabbing deaths Sunday of two homeless men in northwest Aurora were linked, and they say they have arrested a suspect.
Police have accused Ricky Roybal-Smith, 38, in connection with the stabbing deaths and are asking prosecutors to bring first-degree murder charges against him.
Police said Roybal-Smith is currently being held in a Denver jail on unrelated charges and is expected to be transferred to the jail in Adams County, where he will face charges in that county’s courts.
Aurora police were called to 1535 Moline St. at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday after reports of an unresponsive man on a sidewalk there.
“When officers arrived at the scene, they located a man suffering from apparent stab wounds,” police said in a statement. “Officers performed lifesaving actions, but the man died at the scene.”
At about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, police were called to a bus stop on Peoria Street just north of East Colfax Avenue after reports of another unresponsive man.
“Upon arrival, officers located a man with apparent stab wounds,” police said in a statement. “He was pronounced deceased on scene.”
Police investigators determined both men were homeless and became suspicious about the similarities in the attacks.
On Wednesday, police said the investigation was still underway and did not release details about the suspect’s motive for the murders.
Police said earlier this week they were searching for security video from the areas of the stabbings in hopes of finding clues. Police did not say Wednesday what led them to suspect Roybal-Smith.
Police said anyone with information can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000, police said.