RSSMan’s slaying came before burning of RV
Lucos John Schultz
Julius Sutton
Prosecutors allege that the victim in last week’s homicide and arson on Orchard Mesa was slain before his corpse was set ablaze intentionally, according to charging documents.
Lucos John Schultz, 22, and Julius P. Sutton, 26, were formally charged Monday morning with the same counts: second-degree murder, first-degree arson, first-degree assault, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse, a misdemeanor.
Formal filing of charges for both men came as arrest affidavits in the investigation remain filed under seal.
The Grand Junction Police Department on Monday released booking photos of the men, six days after their arrest.
Authorities also have yet to identify the man who died inside a recreational vehicle at 830 Unaweep Ave., which was reported by a passer-by as engulfed by fire shortly after 3 a.m. on June 12. Charging documents identify the victim as Bill Smith, who allegedly was kicked or punched by Schultz and Sutton.
Both Schultz and Sutton were arrested that same day.
During an initial court appearance June 13, County Court Judge Bruce Raaum issued an order allowing investigators to physically examine both men in a search for bruising on their skin. No other explanation for the request was provided.
Schultz and Sutton are being held at the Mesa County Jail on $1 million bonds, each.
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