The Murder of Richard "Gene" Hammond
| Full Name | Richard Gene Hammond |
| Age | 63 |
| Hometown | Denver, Colorado |
| Military | Retired Marine Major — 24 years |
| Employer | Falcon 49 School District — Transportation Director |
| Family | Father and grandfather |
Richard "Gene" Hammond
Richard Gene Hammond, known as Gene, was 63 years old and lived near the intersection of Bruce Randolph Avenue and York Street in Denver, Colorado. He was a retired Marine Major who had served his country for 24 years before returning to civilian life. After leaving the military, he worked for Denver Public Schools and later became the Transportation Director for the Falcon 49 School District in El Paso County, a position he had held since July 2012.
Gene was a father and a grandfather, described by his family and colleagues as an exceptionally kind and hardworking man. His sister-in-law Cindy Valdez remembered him as one of the most gentle people she had ever known. A close friend who worked with him at Falcon 49 called his death a significant loss, saying they couldn't say enough about him. His daughter Jessica Moon said the family was devastated and that he deserved justice.
Gene left for work in the early hours of every morning. His commute from Denver to the school district in El Paso County took approximately 90 minutes, so he routinely left his home around 3:30 a.m. to be at his desk by 5 a.m. He was murdered on February 14, 2017 — Valentine's Day.
What We Know
On the morning of February 14, 2017, Gene Hammond left his home near Bruce Randolph Avenue and York Street in Denver between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. He was driving his silver 2012 Subaru Impreza sedan and heading to work at the Falcon 49 School District in El Paso County, approximately 90 miles south. He never arrived.
Gene and his car were found approximately 12 hours later by a neighbor, around 4 p.m., parked in an alley near East 37th Avenue and York Street, less than half a mile north of his home, beside an abandoned apartment building. The neighbor initially thought he was sleeping. When she returned and he had not moved, she looked through the driver's side window and realized he was not breathing. She called 911. The Denver medical examiner determined Gene died of multiple gunshot wounds. His death was ruled a homicide.
Gene's wallet, watch, wedding ring, and cell phone were missing from the scene. His family told investigators they believed he was killed during a robbery. No motive was ever officially confirmed by the Denver Police Department. No suspect was ever identified or arrested.
How It Unfolded
The Investigation
The Denver Police Department has investigated Gene's murder since February 14, 2017. Police have not publicly disclosed a motive or named any person of interest in the case. Gene's family told investigators they believed his wallet, watch, wedding ring, and cell phone were taken, suggesting a robbery, though police have never officially confirmed a motive.
The location where Gene was found — an alley near East 37th Avenue and York Street, less than half a mile from his own front door — raises questions about what happened in the short time between when he left home and when he was killed. He had been in his car and was found inside it. No witnesses to the shooting have been publicly identified.
Anyone who was in the area near Bruce Randolph Avenue and York Street between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on February 14, 2017, or who has any information about what happened to Gene, is urged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
If You Have Information
Richard "Gene" Hammond was murdered on Valentine's Day 2017 while on his way to work. He was a retired Marine, a father, and a grandfather. His killer has never been identified. A $12,000 reward is available for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Reference: Richard Gene Hammond — February 14, 2017
He Is Not Forgotten
Gene Hammond served his country for 24 years as a Marine officer. He came home, built a career in education, got up at 3:30 in the morning every day, and drove 90 miles each way to do a job he cared about. He was a father and a grandfather. On Valentine's Day 2017, less than half a mile from his own front door, someone shot him and took his wallet, his watch, and his wedding ring.
His family fanned out through the neighborhood posting fliers. His daughter said he deserved justice. His sister-in-law said she was pissed that a good man was shot for absolutely no reason. Eight years later, no one has been charged.
Gene Hammond is not forgotten. If you know something, please come forward.