Homicide is also called murder. Murder happens when someone kills another person. This can be on purpose, or due to recklessness or negligence. Family members and partners of murder victims are sometimes called homicide survivors or surviving victims. Surviving victims can have emotional distress after the murder. For example, they may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms or feel less safe. Surviving victims take the place of the victim in the criminal process. They have the legal rights in the criminal case that the victim would have had if they survived. Surviving victims may be able to get services, such as victim compensation and mental health services.
If you or someone you know needs help on this topic, click here for some Denver-based and national organizationsclick here for some Denver-based and national organizations.
To see Colorado statutes on homicide and attempted homicide, click here.