Released, rearrested and now accused again: Roybal-Smith case ignites parole reform debate
By Shaina Cole | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
Denver Police arrested 38-year-old Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith early Monday morning, July 1, following the death of his cellmate at the Downtown Denver Detention Center. The alleged homicide came just hours after Roybal-Smith was jailed on unrelated charges—less than a day after two Aurora stabbings.
Roybal-Smith’s criminal history spans nearly two decades and includes convictions for assault, felony menacing, DUI-related vehicular assault, and obtaining controlled substances by fraud. He’s also faced repeated parole violations and multiple arrests involving weapons. Despite this record, he was granted early release in 2023.
Denver Police said deputies found an unresponsive man in a shared jail cell around 2:15 a.m. Monday. Off...