Denver, Colorado — A former Colorado sheriff’s deputy, Andrew Buen, is scheduled for sentencing on Monday following his conviction for the criminally negligent homicide of 22-year-old Christian Glass. Glass, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, had sought assistance by dialing 911 before his fatal encounter with law enforcement in 2022.
The verdict, delivered by jurors in February, came after a protracted legal battle that saw Buen face trial twice. Initially, Buen was found guilty of misdemeanor reckless endangerment for endangering fellow officers during the incident. Attempts to secure a conviction on more severe charges, including murder and official misconduct, faced challenges as the jury remained deadlocked.
Glass’ tragic death triggered widespread discussions and led to significant reforms in police training, focusing particularly on interactions with individuals facing mental health issues. Reflecting the gravity of the case, Glass’s parents received a $19 million settlement.
Legal experts note that such convictions of law enforcement officers are uncommon, typically due to the deference jurors exhibit towards police actions during emergency situations. This trend was also observed in another high-profile Colorado case, the 2023 convictions of police and paramedics involved in the death of Elijah McClain. The case similarly concluded with convictions for criminally negligent homicide, accentuating parallel justice system concerns.
The charges against Buen stem from an escalation during a standoff near Silver Plume, a small town in the Rocky Mountains. Prosecutors argued that Buen unnecessarily intensified the situation with Glass, who was clearly distressed and non-compliant with orders to exit his vehicle. Defending his actions, Buen’s legal team claimed he shot Glass, who had a knife, to protect another officer at the scene.
The potential sentence for criminally negligent homicide ranges from probation up to three years in prison. This wide range reflects variations in the perceived severity and circumstances of the offense.
As the community and the nation await Buen’s sentencing, the outcome will likely influence ongoing discussions about law enforcement’s role in mental health crises and the broader movement towards policing reform. These discussions are part of a larger narrative seeking balance between law enforcement responsibilities and community safety, especially in interactions involving vulnerable populations.
The Christian Glass case, much like Elijah McClain’s, not only questions the actions of individual officers but also probes systemic issues within law enforcement protocols dealing with mental health. As reforms continue to unfold, these cases will serve as critical benchmarks for measuring progress and ensuring accountability.