In the winter of 1986, a young man's life was tragically cut short in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Donald William Ott, a 20-year-old male, was found deceased in his apartment on North Murray Boulevard on Christmas Day. His roommate made the grim discovery, finding Ott slumped on a sofa with a single gunshot wound to his head. It was evident from the close-range nature of the wound that a large caliber firearm had been used.
Investigators also noted that a television and stereo were missing from the residence, though there were no signs of forced entry.
Initial stages of the investigation explored various theories. The possibility of suicide was considered but quickly dismissed due to an injury mark on Ott's face and the absence of a weapon at the scene. Another line of inquiry focused on a recent incident at the diner where Ott worked. He had heroically subdued a robber weeks prior, leading to speculation of a retaliatory act, but this lead was also eventually ruled out.
A significant breakthrough came when detectives learned of a dispute involving Ott's half-brother, who was involved in petty crime. This information ultimately led them to two individuals, 23-year-old Brian Pattrick Moore and 29-year-old Kurtis “Kurt” Ozechowski. The investigation revealed that the two men had gone to Ott's apartment seeking his assistance in contacting his half-brother over a small drug debt. When Ott was unable to help, an enraged Pattrick struck him with a gun, which then discharged, killing Ott. The pair then fled with valuables from the apartment.
In January 1987, both Brian Pattrick and Kurtis Ozechowski were indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and armed robbery. By May of that year, they pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder. For his role as the triggerman, Brian Pattrick received a 30-year prison sentence, while Kurtis Ozechowski was sentenced to 18 years. Both men have since completed their sentences and have been released from prison.
