GOLDEN, Colo. — A 911 call captured during an alleged vehicle chase is pivotal evidence in a Jefferson County case against a husband and wife charged in the shooting death of a 23-year-old man. The recorded call, which features warnings from a dispatcher to stop pursuing another vehicle, raises questions about the couple’s actions leading up to the fatal incident that occurred on July 25.
Steven Cole Simpson, 25, faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the death of Andrew Luke Bott. His wife, Corryn Simpson, 26, is charged as an accessory to first-degree murder. The case began with a traffic collision on South Santa Fe Drive, which rapidly escalated into a dangerous pursuit through the southwest Denver area, according to prosecutors. They allege that despite instructions from a dispatcher to cease following the other vehicle, the Simpsons continued their chase, resulting in gunfire during the incident.
Authorities reported that the events unfolded shortly before 10:30 p.m. when the pickup truck, a Ford F-150, was involved in a collision with the Simpsons’ white BMW X5. As the pickup fled the scene, Corryn Simpson contacted the police and provided the truck’s license plate number. The dispatcher advised the Simpsons to stop their pursuit, a directive they allegedly ignored as they followed the Ford toward the Grant Ranch neighborhood.
The 911 call has become a crucial part of the investigation, with law enforcement stating that Steven Simpson can be heard making a threatening remark before gunshots rang out during the call. Prosecutors assert he fired multiple times at the fleeing pickup truck, although the recording alone does not confirm who discharged a weapon. This audio evidence, combined with surveillance footage and witness accounts, forms the foundation of the case against the couple.
Shortly after Corryn’s call, deputies responded to another report involving the Ford, which was found pulled over and occupied by its driver, who indicated that Bott had been struck by gunfire during the pursuit. Despite efforts to save him, Bott succumbed to his injuries at Littleton Adventist Hospital. The pickup’s driver described the events en route from a bar in Denver, detailing how Bott warned him that the Simpsons were armed moments before the shooting occurred.
Detectives meticulously retraced the movements of both vehicles involved, utilizing witness interviews and technology like license plate readers. Camera footage reportedly verified that the Simpsons’ BMW and the pickup traveled through the Grant Ranch area in quick succession. Investigators have stated that they found no prior connection between the occupants of either vehicle.
During their investigation, authorities also interviewed the Simpsons. Both claimed they ceased following the pickup after the dispatcher’s advice and returned home, with Steven stating he was unaware of any firearm involvement. However, police subsequently collected evidence from their residence and vehicle after securing warrants. This included several firearms and ammunition, which now play a significant role in the prosecution’s case.
Authorities seized multiple 9 mm handguns, along with ammunition that matched the casings found at the shooting scene, and samples for forensic analysis were submitted for testing. However, as of now, no definitive ballistic matches have been established regarding which weapon, if any, was used during the crime.
The formal charges against the Simpsons highlight the distinctions in their alleged roles. Steven Simpson’s charges include a Class 1 felony for first-degree murder and a Class 2 felony for attempted murder. In contrast, Corryn Simpson faces a Class 4 felony charge as an accessory to the murder, indicating involvement related to the crime’s commission and subsequent actions rather than direct gunfire.
Both defendants were taken into custody on July 29, shortly after being identified as participants in the chase. Initial charges were later expanded upon by prosecutors, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Their next court appearance is scheduled for early September, but the case remains ongoing, defined by the allegations of reckless behavior, gunfire, and the tragic loss of life following a seemingly ordinary traffic incident.