CrimeJan 12, 2024
Dateline to Feature Ted Shaughnessy CaseCrimeJan 19, 2024
Police Seek Murder Charges in Death of Colorado Jeweler
The recommendation comes after DNA linked a burglary suspect to the November shooting death of Peter Damian Arguello.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department is recommending the district attorney charge Charles Robinson Shay in the Nov. 29 murder of Peter Damian Arguello, owner of Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado—Law enforcement officials in Colorado are one step closer to filing charges in the Nov. 29 shooting death of jeweler Peter Damian Arguello.
On Thursday, the police department in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge announced it was recommending the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which covers the Colorado counties of Jefferson and Gilpin, charge Charles Robinson Shay of Aurora, Colorado, in the jeweler’s death.
The 41-year-old Shay was arrested Dec. 27 on charges related to burglarizing Arguello’s store, Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques.
According to the affidavit filed at the time of his arrest, Shay admitted during an interview with police that he had entered the closed jewelry store on Dec. 26 after prying open the door.
He said he had heard about Arguello’s murder and viewed the burglary as a “crime of opportunity” because he knew the store wasn’t occupied, but he didn’t take anything because “nothing was there.”
Shay stopped talking when police told him his DNA had been found on a pair of flex cuffs left at the scene of the murder, the affidavit states.
Related stories will be right here …
On Thursday, the police department in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge announced it was recommending the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which covers the Colorado counties of Jefferson and Gilpin, charge Charles Robinson Shay of Aurora, Colorado, in the jeweler’s death.
The 41-year-old Shay was arrested Dec. 27 on charges related to burglarizing Arguello’s store, Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques.
According to the affidavit filed at the time of his arrest, Shay admitted during an interview with police that he had entered the closed jewelry store on Dec. 26 after prying open the door.
He said he had heard about Arguello’s murder and viewed the burglary as a “crime of opportunity” because he knew the store wasn’t occupied, but he didn’t take anything because “nothing was there.”
Shay stopped talking when police told him his DNA had been found on a pair of flex cuffs left at the scene of the murder, the affidavit states.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department is recommending the district attorney’s office charge Shay with first-degree murder, a class 1 felony in Colorado, as well as two counts of murder in the second degree, a class 2 felony.
“We think about the Arguello family every day, and our resolve to bring them justice drives our investigators throughout this process,” the department stated in a news release.
Police have declined to provide any additional information on the case, citing the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Wheat Ridge Police Department tip line at 303-235-2903.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
