Charges — including first-degree murder — were filed against Cole Pollard, 22, on Thursday, four days after 23-year-old Patricia Denise Richmond was found tied up and slain in a home north of Steamboat Springs.
The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Steamboat Springs filed the following charges against Pollard: first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and theft, according to a news release.
Prosecutors allege that Richmond’s killing was intentional and premeditated and that it occurred during a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.
The charges also alleged that Pollard entered the home with the intent to commit a sexual assault and that while Pollard was inside, Richmond was assaulted.
Pollard is also charged with the theft of a rifle.
At about 7:15 p.m. Monday, emergency responders were called to a report of a woman who was found tied up and facedown at a home at 56370 Lupine Court in the small town of Clark, which is about 18 miles north of Steamboat Springs.
The Steamboat Pilot & Today reported that Pollard is the cousin of Richmond’s fiancé, Keith West.
Pollard was arrested Wednesday at a campsite near Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.
According to court records obtained by the Pilot, sheriff’s deputies said Pollard told them he choked Richmond to death, tied her up and then raped her.
Pollard also told them he then stole several items from the home and left.
Pollard made his first court appearance on Thursday and is being held in the Routt County Jail without bond. His next court appearance will be Monday.
It is not clear whether Pollard has an attorney, The Associated Press said.
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, ehernandez@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ehernandez
