The family of Nick Burkett, a stabbing victim, expresses concerns over homelessness and public safety in Denver following the tragic incident.

Denver: Nick Burkett’s family gathered in the cold to honor him with flowers and candles at a memorial on the 16th Street Mall. It’s been just a few days since Carol Cortez received the heartbreaking news that her son was killed in a stabbing. She’s still trying to process it all.
Burkett, who faced challenges with homelessness and mental health, hadn’t been in touch with his family for about a month. They wanted to connect with his last moments and understand what he was going through.
Standing at the spot where he was fatally stabbed, Carol was flanked by Burkett’s father, Wayne, and sister, Maxine. The police have charged 24-year-old Elijah Caudill with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbings, which also claimed the life of a 71-year-old flight attendant and injured two others.
Wayne expressed the horror of imagining what Nick experienced in his final moments. He described the scene as surreal. Nick was known for his vibrant personality, love for art and music, and his carefree attitude. But his struggles with drug abuse made him vulnerable, and his family believes he was targeted because of it.
They also pointed out that Nick’s death reflects larger issues in Denver, like homelessness and safety concerns. Maxine voiced her desire for a safer city where families can enjoy the area without fear.
Nick’s family is determined to advocate for the homeless, emphasizing that everyone on the streets has someone who cares about them. Carol added that Nick was important and not just a statistic.