x
Breaking News
More () »

3 years ago today: Officer was killed at City Park Jazz

Three years ago, Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis was shot and killed in the line of duty while at Jazz in the Park.
Celena Hollis

KUSA - Three years ago, Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis was shot and killed in the line of duty while at Jazz in the Park.

"Celena loved working in this park," Denver Police Chief Robert White previously said.

Hollis went to break up a fight when she was struck by a bullet and killed on June 24, 2012.

"[It was an] unspeakable tragedy that any person or family could face. [It was] pain that we're not built to sustain," Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said at a service honoring her two years ago.

Now, a memorial stands in her honor in City Park. The memorial includes a sign and a bench with the inscription "Blessed are the Peacemakers."

The man who killed Hollis, Rollin Oliver, was sentenced in 2013 to 26 years for second-degree murder.

His defense said he was trying to protect himself from gang members, but prosecutors argued he shot off four rounds and put hundreds at risk.

(KUSA-TV © 2015 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)

Before You Leave, Check This Out