Denver Man Who Killed Woman Over Dog Poop Pleads Not Guilty

Michael Close, the man accused of killing a woman and injuring her boyfriend over their dog going to the bathroom outside of his apartment complex, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in court.

He made his plea in court on Monday, March 8, at 8:30 A.M. during a continuation of an arraignment hearing from January 4, reports 9NEWS.

Close will undergo a mental health evaluation at the Colorado Mental Health Institute of Pueblo.

He faces 22 charges in the tragic incident that occurred on June 10, 2020. First-degree murder and the use of a banned high-capacity magazine are among his charges.

Close killed 21-year-old Isabella Thallas after firing 24 shots from his apartment window in the Ballpark neighborhood. Thallas's boyfriend Darian Simon survived two bullets to his legs.

The shooting took place after a short fight between Close and Simon after their dog pooped in a rock garden outside of Close's apartment complex.

In early January an investigation revealed that the gun used by Close belonged to a Denver police officer.

Close stole an AR-15 from the home of a Denver police officer with who he was good friends. The rifle was not issued by the Denver Police Department.

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