The 2023 death of Michael Burch was ruled a homicide. Following a state investigation, prosecutors decided not to bring criminal charges against the deputy who used a Taser on Burch and wrestled with him in a Huerfano County jail cell. District Attorney Henry Solano noted there was “sufficient information” that the deputy could say he acted in self-defense.

An autopsy report found six of Burch’s right ribs had broken and his right lung collapsed after the altercation with the deputy. He wasn’t taken to a hospital but instead was transferred to another cell where he was found dead seven days later.