CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado Jeweler
Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.
Peter Damian Arguello, who owned and operated Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, for almost two decades, was shot and killed in his store in November 2023. The men convicted in the case earlier this year have been sentenced. (Photo courtesy of the Wheat Ridge Police Department)
Golden, Colo.—The two men found guilty in the 2023 robbery and murder of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, jeweler Peter Damian Arguello will spend a long time behind bars.
The Colorado First Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that on Monday, Michael James McCormack, 51, was sentenced to 75 years in prison after being found guilty of felony murder and aggravated robbery, among other charges.
The other man charged in the case, 42-year-old Charles Robinson Shay, was found guilty in a separate trial of 10 counts in connection with Arguello’s death, including first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.
Jurors also found Shay, who has six prior felony convictions, to be a “habitual criminal” under Colorado law, a charge that can lead to longer prison sentences.
Shay was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 120 years on Sept. 10, the DA’s office said.
Related stories will be right here …
The Colorado First Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that on Monday, Michael James McCormack, 51, was sentenced to 75 years in prison after being found guilty of felony murder and aggravated robbery, among other charges.
The other man charged in the case, 42-year-old Charles Robinson Shay, was found guilty in a separate trial of 10 counts in connection with Arguello’s death, including first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.
Jurors also found Shay, who has six prior felony convictions, to be a “habitual criminal” under Colorado law, a charge that can lead to longer prison sentences.
Shay was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 120 years on Sept. 10, the DA’s office said.
Arguello, 64, was the owner of Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques, a store he opened in 2007.
According to the DA’s office, Arguello’s wife, Teresa Casillas, said during sentencing that after her husband’s death, they had to close their business because, “Peter was the reason customers came to the store.”
“He was committed to working at least 10 more years because he loved his little shop and took so much pride in its treasures. Unlike most of us, going to work was fun for him,” she said.
In a post on Facebook, the Wheat Ridge Police Department described the late jeweler as a friend, mentor, and father figure in the Wheat Ridge community.
“His shop was a welcoming, safe place where you were always greeted with a smile,” the post reads.
“Peter embodied the kind of optimism and compassion we try to exemplify in our community and in our police department … Justice will not bring Peter back, but we sincerely hope this outcome will allow Peter’s family to heal. They are part of our family now, forever and always. As we move forward, we honor his memory by living life with joy and kindness.”
Arguello was in his store on the morning of Nov. 29, 2023, when Shay and McCormack came in.
Prosecutors and Arguello’s family argued during trial that McCormack earned Arguello’s trust in order to gain access to the store and then target him, keeping tabs on the jeweler “like a lurking, cunning predator.”
During the robbery, it was Shay who bound Arguello with flex cuffs, assaulted him, and fatally shot him, the DA’s office said.
Both men were seen by witnesses fleeing through the back door and getting into a red Chevy Silverado—which police later determined had been stolen—that was found after it had been set on fire.
DNA found on the flex cuffs linked Shay to the crime, and he was formally charged in January 2024.
Police issued a warrant for McCormack on March 7, 2024, and arrested him on May 2 following a two-month search.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
