Nathan Dunlap

Mass Murderer

Nathan Dunlap and the 1993 Chuck E. Cheese Murders

Background

Nathan Jerard Dunlap was a 19-year-old former employee of a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Aurora, Colorado, when he carried out one of the state's most notorious workplace mass murders. On the night of December 14, 1993, Dunlap entered the restaurant at 12293 East Iliff Avenue and remained there until after closing. He then shot five employees, killing four and seriously wounding one, before stealing money and fleeing. Dunlap had worked as a cook at the restaurant beginning in May 1993. He was fired in July following a dispute involving his work schedule and conduct. Prosecutors later argued that Dunlap remained angry about losing his job and wanted revenge against the restaurant. According to testimony presented during the case, he had spoken about getting even after his termination, although the supervisor responsible for firing him was not working on the night of the murders.

The Night of the Murders

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on December 14, 1993, Dunlap entered the Chuck E. Cheese as an ordinary customer. He ordered food and spent time playing an arcade game while employees began preparing the restaurant for closing. Shortly before 10:00 p.m., he entered a restroom and concealed himself there while the remaining customers left. After the restaurant closed, Dunlap emerged from the restroom carrying a .25-caliber semiautomatic pistol. The employees were performing their normal closing duties and had little warning that an attack was beginning. Dunlap moved through the restaurant, approaching the workers individually and shooting them at close range. Sylvia Crowell, a 19-year-old employee, was cleaning the salad bar when Dunlap approached her. He shot her in the head at close range. Crowell was still alive when emergency personnel arrived and was transported to a hospital, but her injuries were catastrophic. She was declared brain-dead and died on December 15, 1993. Seventeen-year-old Ben Grant was vacuuming a section of the restaurant when Dunlap shot him in the face. Grant died inside the restaurant. Dunlap then encountered 17-year-old Colleen O'Connor, who reportedly dropped to her knees and pleaded for her life. Dunlap shot her in the head, killing her. Bobby Stephens, a 20-year-old kitchen employee, had briefly stepped outside during the closing process. When he returned, he heard noises but initially believed they were balloons being popped. While Stephens was working near the dishwasher, Dunlap entered the kitchen and shot him in the jaw. Stephens fell to the floor and remained motionless, convincing Dunlap that he was dead. Although critically injured, Stephens survived and later became an important witness against Dunlap.

The Murder of Manager Marge Kohlberg

Dunlap next confronted 50-year-old restaurant manager Marge Kohlberg. He forced Kohlberg into the office and ordered her to open the restaurant safe. After she complied, Dunlap shot her in the head. While removing money from the safe, he noticed that Kohlberg was still moving and shot her a second time, killing her. Dunlap stole approximately $1,500 in cash along with restaurant game tokens and other property. He then left the building, leaving four employees dead or mortally wounded and Stephens lying injured in the kitchen. After Dunlap fled, Stephens managed to get to his feet and escape through a rear door. Bleeding heavily from the gunshot wound to his jaw, he reached the nearby Mill Pond apartment complex and pounded on a resident's door for help. Police officers and emergency medical personnel were called to the restaurant, where they discovered the victims in the hallways, work areas and manager's office. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Sylvia Crowell 19 yr old Female

Nathan Dunlap on death row for Chuck E. Cheese killings