Story perspectives

Colorado Appeals Court Overturns Aurora Paramedics' Homicide Convictions

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the homicide convictions of former Aurora paramedics after finding the trial court mis-guided jurors on the professional standard of care.
Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec will face new homicide trials.
Cichuniec’s second-degree assault conviction for unlawful drug administration was upheld, keeping his probation.
Attorney General Phil Weiser said the state will continue defending the original convictions, deeming the prosecutions essential for justice and community healing.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in Daubert v. Merrell Dow, overturning the Frye test and establishing a flexible reliability gate for expert testimony. The American Medical Association adopted those criteria in its 1995 forensic-testimony policy. Colorado’s Court of Appeals now applies the same standard to overturn two paramedic murder convictions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the homicide convictions of former Aurora paramedics after finding the trial court mis-guided jurors on the professional standard of care.
Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec will face new homicide trials.
Cichuniec’s second-degree assault conviction for unlawful drug administration was upheld, keeping his probation.
Attorney General Phil Weiser said the state will continue defending the original convictions, deeming the prosecutions essential for justice and community healing.

1 / 2