In the small city of Alamosa, Colorado, the life of Phil Dominic Lucero, a 28-year-old White / Caucasian male, was brought to an abrupt and violent end on December 8, 2022. On that Thursday, what began as a confrontation with a bail bondsman escalated into a fatal struggle inside his own home. Lucero, who was known to his loved ones for his compassionate and caring nature, found himself in a dire situation when his bail bondsman, 29-year-old Robert Thrash, appeared at his residence.
Thrash, the proprietor of Always Open Bail Bonds, was not there for a friendly visit. He was accompanied by a partner, 29-year-old David Heinstein, with the intention of taking Lucero into custody. Lucero had a warrant out for his arrest after failing to appear for a court sentencing related to a 2021 case. Thrash had previously posted a $3,500 bond for Lucero's release. The bondsmen gained entry into the residence, and a struggle ensued. In the chaos of the altercation, shots were fired. Lucero was struck and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Heinstein also sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital on the Front Range for surgery.
Following the incident, Robert Thrash was taken into custody and faced serious charges, including 2nd Degree Murder and 1st Degree Burglary. In his statement to the police, Thrash claimed that during the altercation, Lucero had managed to get ahold of Heinstein's gun and was holding it to Heinstein's head. Thrash asserted that he shot Lucero in defense of his partner's life. The community was left to grapple with the violent death of a man described as an intelligent and skilled artist who loved to paint, draw, and do wood burning. His family and friends would remember his contagious laugh and sense of humor, a stark contrast to the violent circumstances of his passing.
