Destinee Thompson, 27, was fatally shot by an Arvada police officer in August 2021 while leaving the American Motel, where she was staying. Thompson, who was Hispanic and Native American and pregnant at the time, was reportedly mistaken for a shoplifting suspect who had allegedly brandished a knife at a nearby Target. A witness had followed the suspect to the motel; Thompson was later identified as not being that suspect.

Family lawyers say plainclothes officers stopped Thompson as she was getting into her minivan, and that an officer shattered the passenger-side window with a baton. Officers say Thompson backed into a police vehicle and then drove away; Officer Anthony Benallo fired eight shots at the minivan, killing Thompson and her unborn child. The Jefferson County District Attorney declined to file criminal charges, finding the use of deadly force justified and citing the shooter’s belief another officer was in danger, while the family’s lawsuit asserted Thompson was already about 25 yards away and posed no threat.

An autopsy found illicit drugs in Thompson’s system and noted outstanding warrants at the time of death. The family filed a wrongful death and excessive force lawsuit; that suit was settled in January 2025 for $2 million with the city admitting no liability. Did anyone witness the encounter at the motel or see Thompson’s minivan that day?