Charges Dropped as Predator Found Incompetent in Aurora Playground Attempt

By Hanna Powers | KDVR Fox 31

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A registered sex offender accused of attempting to kidnap a child from a playground will not face prosecution after a judge dismissed the case due to a finding of permanent incompetence.

Carmen Galligan — previously known as Solomon — was charged in connection with an attempted kidnapping at Black Forest Hills Elementary in April 2024. According to police, Galligan targeted multiple children who were playing outside, sparking panic among parents and neighbors.

But in court Thursday, a judge dismissed the case after doctors at Fort Logan State Hospital determined Galligan has a chronic mental condition and will never be competent to stand trial.

“This is a case where the victims expressed great fear at what happened to their children, and then outrage and concern about the state of the law, which required dismissal in this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley, who prosecuted the case in the 18th Judicial District.

Colorado law requires dismissal of criminal charges if a defendant is found permanently incompetent and “non-restorable.” It marks at least the fourth time since 2018 that charges against Galligan have been dropped for similar reasons.

Families of the victims say the system failed them — and could fail others again.

“We can’t go back and change the things that already occurred,” said Dante White, whose son was among the children targeted. “But we can dictate what can happen in the future.”

Brackley said Galligan will be placed in short-term civil commitment, but there is no requirement for long-term care, nor any obligation to notify victims if Galligan is released from treatment.

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