Crime

DNA Potentially Links Suspect to Murder of Colorado Jeweler

CrimeJan 12, 2024

DNA Potentially Links Suspect to Murder of Colorado Jeweler

The DNA was recovered from flex cuffs found at the scene of the Nov. 29 murder of Peter Damian Arguello.

Stock photo of police crime scene tape
Police in Colorado recently arrested a man for burglarizing a jewelry store in the town of Wheat Ridge and an affidavit filed in support of his arrest shows he may also be connected to the store owner’s homicide.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado—A man arrested and charged with burglarizing a Wheat Ridge, Colorado, jewelry store in December also could be connected to the late November murder of the store’s owner, court papers reveal.

Charles Robinson Shay, 41, of Aurora, Colorado, was arrested Dec. 27 and faces charges of felony motor vehicle theft in the second degree, criminal possession of an identification document, and second-degree burglary, according to the Jefferson County (Colorado) District Attorney’s Office.

According to an affidavit filed the day after Shay’s arrest, he admitted to police that he pried open the door and entered Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques on Dec. 26, but did not take anything because “nothing was there.”

The store’s owner, Peter Damian Arguello, was found shot to death inside his shop on the morning of Nov. 29 in what police then described as a possible robbery homicide. 

Shay told police he had heard about the robbery homicide and looked at breaking into the store as a “crime of opportunity” because he knew the business was boarded up and not occupied. 

However, evidence recovered from the scene of Arguello’s murder may tell a different story.

According to the affidavit, during the investigation of the murder police found three flex cuffs looped together with a latex glove intertwined on the floor in front of one of the store’s safes. Silver coins had been removed from the safe. 

Surveillance video of the robbery homicide shows a male suspect pull a gun on Arguello and try to handcuff the jeweler with the flex cuff. According to the affidavit, Arguello resisted and the man shot him three times. 

Police were able to obtain a DNA sample from swabs of the cuffs and on Dec. 8, the Jefferson County Regional Crime Lab found a match via the Combined DNA Index System, better known as CODIS.

 Related stories will be right here … 

According to the affidavit, the DNA came back as a match for Shay, a self-described “habitual criminal” who’s had prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (2005), motor vehicle theft and vehicular eluding (2006), identity theft (habitual offender), and theft by receiving (2012). 

He is currently wanted in California on a felony warrant for motor vehicle theft. 

When police told Shay that his DNA had been found on the flex cuffs recovered from the murder scene, he stopped talking, the affidavit states. 

On the day Arguello was murdered, witnesses said they saw two people leaving through the back door of the jewelry store and driving away in a red Chevy Silverado pickup truck, which authorities later determined had been stolen.

Police recovered the truck on Dec. 1 in Centennial, Colorado. It had been set on fire and “heavily damaged,” according to the affidavit, though police were able to recover two hats from the bed of the truck that were only partially burned.

The hats matched those worn by the two individuals seen fleeing the jewelry store after Arguello’s murder.

Wheat Ridge police said they are not releasing any more information about the investigation at this time.  

The Latest

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Instappraise and NAJA logos
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy