On the night of February 17, 2007, Kenneth Gorman, a 61-year-old White male, was fatally shot in his Denver home on South Decatur Street. The incident was reported as a possible home invasion robbery. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Gorman inside, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Gorman was a prominent and outspoken activist for the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.
He was known for founding the Denver 420 rally, an event that grew into a large annual gathering. At the time of his death, Gorman was a registered caregiver for several medical marijuana patients and legally cultivated marijuana plants in his home. His activism, which began in the early 1990s, made him a well-known figure in the community and sometimes put him at odds with law enforcement.
Despite the initial description of the crime as a home invasion, details surrounding the case have raised questions. Reports indicate that valuables, including cash and marijuana, were left untouched at the scene, leading to speculation about the motive behind the killing. His home had reportedly been the target of previous burglaries, which was not uncommon for individuals involved in the marijuana industry at the time.
As of seventeen years later, the murder of Kenneth Gorman remains unsolved. The Denver Police Department considers it a cold case, and to date, no arrests have been made, nor have any suspects been publicly identified. Friends and supporters of Gorman have expressed concerns that his anti-establishment stance and his activities in the marijuana community may have affected the intensity of the investigation. The Denver Police Department has stated that the investigation is still open and that progress has been made, though they are limited in what information can be released. The case continues to be a point of frustration and sadness for those who knew him and admired his dedication to cannabis activism.
