Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado
Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado
Residents Question Parole System After Lakewood Homocide
Lakewood residents questioned why an offender was out on parole after a burgerly turned homocide in Lakewood on December 6, 2025. In fact, more residents commented on parole than offered congratulations to police for a speedy resolution. Comments such as “Another parolee that never should have been released!!” were common to Lakewood Police Department’s (LPD) Facebook post on the issue.
As reported by the LPD:
On 12/6/25 at approximately 7:10 P.M., Lakewood Police were called to a home on the 300 block of S. Kendall St. A family member went to the home to check on their elderly mother and found her dead. It quickly became apparent that burglary had happened as a window had been broken for entry and the home was ransacked. There was also evidence that a fire had been started. The victim in this case has been identified as 83-year-old Elizabeth Johnson of Lakewood. On the afternoon of 12/10/25, Lakewood Police found and arrested 41-year-old Arthur Joseph Maestas IV (DOB: 12/16/83). Maestas was arrested on suspicion of committing 1st Degree Murder, 1st Degree Arson, 1st Degree Burglary and Parole Violation. He is currently being held at the Jefferson County jail. A photo of Maestas accompanies this release.
Maestas had a previous record but served less than seven of the 60 years he was sentenced to. After his conviction in 2011, it appears he was released on parole and earned another conviction in 2018. (hattip Brian Knight)
The Lakewood Police Department” issued a reminder for community members to keep their doors locked and lights on for safety.”