Moffat County’s 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges relating to the fatal officer-involved shooting that happened earlier this year in Craig.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Tjosvold stated that “after a thorough review of all of the evidence in this case, including the officer’s body worn camera, witness interviews, the autopsy report, the ballistics report, and the physical evidence on scene, the District Attorney’s office has concluded that Daniel Molina and Kurtis Luster used appropriate force to defend themselves, their fellow law enforcement officers, and the public, during their interaction with Christopher Rothermund in Craig, Colorado on March 31, 2023.” On that date, Officer Daniel Molina of the Craig Police Department, engaged in a foot pursuit of Christopher Rothermund during the execution of an arrest warrant. Deputy Kurtis Luster of the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office joined Officer Molina a short time later. Rothermund drew a weapon and pointed it at officers. Subsequently, both Molina and Luster fired their service weapons. Rothermund was hit and died as a result of his injuries. A detailed report of the District Attorney’s findings can be found at 14da.org.
