Heather Willard
(She/Her)
Broomfield, Castle Rock, Colorado
As seen in:
MSN,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo News New Zealand,
Aol,
U.S. News and World Report,
Yahoo Finance,
Associated Press,
Changing America
and
Covers:
Public safety, entertainment, sports, breaking news, politics, state news, local news, federal news, restaurant openings and closings, events, human interest
Queer, cat mom, caffeine lover | Journalist | Mostly human, partially void | Photographer | she/her | RT/likes =\= endorsements
Articles by Heather Willard
US Marshals arrest Louisiana child rape suspect found working in Denver Original
The U.S. Marshals Service shared this image of officers arresting James Connolly in Denver. (Courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service) Posted: Dec 11, 2025 / 06:42 AM MST Updated: Dec 11, 2025 / 06:42 AM MST DENVER (KDVR) — A man wanted by the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for raping a child under 13 years old was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Denver on Tuesday.
Officer shoots at suspect while responding to in-progress burglary in Greeley Original
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 08:14 PM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 08:17 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — A Greeley police officer reportedly shot at a man while responding to a call for a burglary in progress on 16th Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.
Resident killed, 2nd injured in Westminster fire; 3 officers evaluated for smoke inhalation Original
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 05:37 PM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 05:42 PM MST The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. near 80th Avenue and Wolff Street. The fire department said that one resident was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead. Their identity has not been released, as the Adams County Coroner’s Office is notifying next-of-kin. “We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the agency said on X.
Homemade pipe bombs found at Colorado consignment store Original
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 04:27 PM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 04:27 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — You really never know what you’ll find at any given consignment shop, but the owner of one shop got more than they bargained for on Tuesday. The Craig Police Department said that about 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 9, officers were called by the owner of Barely Spent Consignment, located on Ranney Street in Craig, after the owner found suspicious items at their business.
‘Concerned for their safety’: Thornton police seek help locating 11-year-old, mother Original
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 04:19 PM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 04:19 PM MST Liberty, 11, was last seen around 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday near the 8800 block of Pearl Street in Thornton. The area is a mix of businesses and residences, a few blocks east of Interstate 25. Police said in an update at about 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday that Liberty had been last seen with her mother, Alexandria Martinez, 30. An updated alert said that Liberty and Alexandria may be in the Denver or Jefferson County areas.
Denver continues free lights recycling program that diverted over 1 ton last year
Search query Denver continues free lights recycling program that diverted over 1 ton last year Wed, December 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM UTC Denver continues free lights recycling program that diverted over 1 ton last year DENVER (KDVR) — Perhaps the string lights managed to tangle themselves into a knot in the attic. Or there’s a light on one side of the Christmas tree that won’t light on one side, and no Grinch on hand to take it back to his workshop.
Denver continues free lights recycling program that diverted over 1 ton last year
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 07:17 AM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 07:17 AM MST DENVER (KDVR) — Perhaps the string lights managed to tangle themselves into a knot in the attic. Or there’s a light on one side of the Christmas tree that won’t light on one side, and no Grinch on hand to take it back to his workshop. Or perhaps, you plugged them in for the first time this year and nary a single bulb came to life. The program was also held last year, with Denver residents dropping off over a ton of lights.
Serial bank robber, 73, sentenced for robbing 2 banks, 2 credit unions and 1 taco shop
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 07:25 AM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 07:25 AM MST Flozell Beasley, 73, was convicted by a federal grand jury in January of the robberies, which occurred between May and July 2023. Beasley was convicted of four counts of bank robbery and one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce. He now faces 210 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
I-70 west to be closed twice for framework to realign bridge: Will it impact holiday travel?
Posted: Dec 10, 2025 / 07:20 AM MST Updated: Dec 10, 2025 / 07:20 AM MST DENVER (KDVR) — Interstate 70’s construction impacts have been a headache for drivers for years, especially after work began on Floyd Hill in July 2023, but significant movement is underway for the project. In mid-November, FOX31 was given a behind-the-barrier look at the I-70 Floyd Hill project. At that point, the eastbound lanes had been completed.
I-70 west to be closed twice for framework to realign bridge: Will it impact holiday travel?
DENVER (KDVR) — Interstate 70’s construction impacts have been a headache for drivers for years, especially after work began on Floyd Hill in July 2023, but significant movement is underway for the project. In mid-November, FOX31 was given a behind-the-barrier look at the I-70 Floyd Hill project. At that point, the eastbound lanes had been completed. Crews called it a “big milestone.” Next, crews are constructing 10 different bridges this winter that will route I-70 out of the canyon.
Shooting leaves woman with life-threatening injuries; police seek bicycle-riding suspect
DENVER (KDVR) A woman suffered life-threatening injuries in a shooting that occurred in a parking lot on Havana Street, police reported. The Aurora Police Department said that about 6:10 p.m., officers responded to the northern end of a parking lot in the 1100 block of South Havana Street, near where the road intersects with Mississippi Avenue. The agency said that officers found a woman at the scene with life-threatening injuries.
Shooting leaves woman with life-threatening injuries; police seek bicycle-riding suspect Original
Posted: Dec 9, 2025 / 08:07 PM MST Updated: Dec 9, 2025 / 08:07 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — A woman suffered life-threatening injuries in a shooting that occurred in a parking lot on Havana Street, police reported. The Aurora Police Department said that about 6:10 p.m., officers responded to the northern end of a parking lot in the 1100 block of South Havana Street. The agency said that officers found a woman at the scene with life-threatening injuries.
‘Deeply missed’: Adams County Sheriff’s Office commander dies on duty in Watkins
DENVER (KDVR) — An Adams County Sheriff’s Office commander who had served with the agency for over three decades died on Monday, the agency announced Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that on Monday morning, deputies responded to a missing person report in Watkins. Upon arrival, deputies found Commander Karl Smalley, 67, near Box Elder Creek. Smalley was not breathing and was later pronounced dead.
‘Deeply missed’: Adams County Sheriff’s Office commander dies on duty in Watkins
Adams County Sheriff’s Office Commander Karl Smalley, 67, died while on duty in Watkins on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Courtesy of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office) Posted: Dec 9, 2025 / 05:21 PM MST Updated: Dec 9, 2025 / 05:28 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — An Adams County Sheriff’s Office commander who had served with the agency for over three decades died on Monday, the agency announced Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that on Monday morning, deputies responded to a missing person report in Watkins.
University of Colorado Boulder suspends Phi Kappa Sigma after reports of 'severe hazing'
DENVER (KDVR) — The University of Colorado Boulder said that one of its fraternities was suspended Thursday after receiving “credible reports” of hazing. The university said that it received a credible hazing report involving the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity on Dec. 1, and the incident was reported to campus on Dec. 2. “The university has also received at least two additional, anonymous reports of extreme or severe hazing this week,” CU Boulder said in a Safety Alert shared Thursday evening.
CU Boulder suspends Phi Kappa Sigma after reports of ‘extreme or severe hazing’
Search query CU Boulder suspends Phi Kappa Sigma after reports of ‘extreme or severe hazing’ Fri, December 5, 2025 at 1:07 PM UTC CU Boulder suspends Phi Kappa Sigma after reports of ‘extreme or severe hazing’ DENVER (KDVR) — The University of Colorado Boulder said that one of its fraternities was suspended Thursday after receiving “credible reports” of hazing. The university said that it received a credible hazing report involving the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity on Dec.
Remembering Sen. Winter: Gov. orders flags at half-staff for memorial, celebration of life
DENVER (KDVR) — It has now been over a week since Sen. Faith Winter died in a car crash on Interstate 25, the day before Thanksgiving, and on Friday, events remembering Winter’s impact and life are slated to begin. Winter, 45, died in a crash that occurred near Dry Creek Road on northbound I-25, shortly after another crash had occurred in the same area. There were three others injured in the crashes.
Castle Rock will penalize parents for children driving off-highway vehicles on roads
DENVER (KDVR) — Castle Rock is mirroring an ordinance from Aurora that fines parents if they allow their child to ride or drive an off-highway vehicle within town limits. The new ordinance was made in early November and is now in effect. The measure revised the town’s traffic regulations and laws to address the use of motorized and electric vehicles in the town.
Remembering Sen. Winter: Gov. orders flags at half-staff for memorial, celebration of life
Posted: Dec 5, 2025 / 05:53 AM MST Updated: Dec 5, 2025 / 05:54 AM MST DENVER (KDVR) — It has now been over a week since Sen. Faith Winter died in a car crash on Interstate 25, the day before Thanksgiving, and on Friday, events remembering Winter’s impact and life are slated to begin. Winter, 45, died in a crash that occurred near Dry Creek Road on northbound I-25, shortly after another crash had occurred in the same area. There were three others injured in the crashes.
Castle Rock will penalize parents for children driving off-highway vehicles on roads
DENVER (KDVR) — Castle Rock is mirroring an ordinance from Aurora that fines parents if they allow their child to ride or drive an off-highway vehicle within town limits. The vehicles have been called a “large problem” by Aurora police, and Boulder County deputies called the vehicles “exciting” after a juvenile was injured in a crash where they were riding such a vehicle. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office noted in that incident that the vehicles carry serious risks.
Missing 14-year-old girl last seen on Colfax on Tuesday: CBI Original
Posted: Dec 4, 2025 / 10:52 PM MST Updated: Dec 4, 2025 / 10:52 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — A Missing Indigenous Person Alert was issued by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Thursday night for a 14-year-old girl who was last seen Tuesday afternoon in Denver. According to the alert, Bella Lobato Honahni, 14, was last seen at about 1 p.m. on Dec. 2 near East Colfax Avenue and Gilpin Street in Denver. The area is a couple of blocks north of Cheesman Park.
'Suspicious death' investigation places 2 Westminster schools on secure status Original
Westminster police placed two schools on secure status on Thursday, Dec. 4, while investigating a “suspicious death.” (Courtesy of the Westminster Police Department) Posted: Dec 4, 2025 / 06:17 PM MST Updated: Dec 4, 2025 / 06:29 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — Westminster police officers are investigating what the agency described as a “suspicious death” near Willowbrook Park.
Jeffco SWAT member was drunk responding to Evergreen High School shooting Original
Posted: Dec 4, 2025 / 05:47 PM MST Updated: Dec 4, 2025 / 05:56 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that a sergeant who was a member of the agency’s SWAT team during its response to the Evergreen High School shooting on Sept. 10 was drunk. Sgt. Anthony Hamilton resigned from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of being fired, the department said.
Missing 20-year-old’s car found submerged in canal near Timnath Reservoir: CSP Original
Posted: Dec 4, 2025 / 04:13 PM MST Updated: Dec 4, 2025 / 05:16 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado State Patrol confirmed Thursday evening that it had found an SUV confirmed to have been driven by a missing 20-year-old woman. The car, a 2016 black Volkswagen Tiguan, was found on its roof in a canal northeast of the Timnath Reservoir off Larimer County Road 1, submerged in water. CSP said that divers did see a body in the vehicle, but the body has not been identified.
Former Loveland police officer found guilty of sexually assaulting minor while on-duty
Posted: Dec 4, 2025 / 06:52 AM MST Updated: Dec 4, 2025 / 06:53 AM MST Dylan Miller, 30, was found guilty in a federal civil rights trial that lasted over two weeks. The evidence presented during the trial showed that Miller was working as a Loveland police officer on the evening of Aug. 3, 2023, through the morning of Aug. 4, 2023. Miller had been with the Loveland Police Department since 2022 and was employed by the Durango Police Department for two years before that.
Former Loveland police officer found guilty of sexually assaulting minor while on-duty
DENVER (KDVR) — A former Loveland police officer was found guilty by a jury of a civil rights charge after he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old while he was on duty for the Loveland Police Department. Dylan Miller, 30, was found guilty in a federal civil rights trial that lasted over two weeks. The evidence presented during the trial showed that Miller was working as a Loveland police officer on the evening of Aug. 3, 2023, through the morning of Aug. 4, 2023.
Suspect pleads not guilty to arson, impersonation in 2024 Alexander Mountain Fire
DENVER (KDVR) — The man accused of setting a fire that burned over 9,600 acres in Larimer County last year entered a not guilty plea in court on Wednesday. Jason Alexander Hobby, 50, was arrested in September 2024 in connection with the Alexander Mountain Fire, which sparked on July 29, 2024, in the mountains west of Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch and was declared fully contained on Aug. 17, 2024. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said that Hobby was a former employee of the ranch.
Trump posts statement against Gov. Polis, defends convicted felon Tina Peters Original
Posted: Dec 3, 2025 / 07:40 PM MST Updated: Dec 3, 2025 / 10:13 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — President Donald Trump took to his social media platform on Wednesday to call Colorado’s governor a “sleazebag” and defend former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Peters was sentenced to nine years in Colorado prison in October 2024 after the election conspiracy theorist helped Trump supporters access confidential data about the 2020 presidential election.
Investigators: No crime in missing man’s death, found after 4 months in Coal Creek
DENVER (KDVR) — Investigators say that there was no criminal activity found in connection with a missing man’s death after he was found months later in Coal Creek. Paul Aragon, 34, was reported missing by his mother on May 8 after his still-running truck with his dog inside was found abandoned in Broomfield on May 2. His family last heard from him on April 28 or 29, and on May 5, officials said he “no-showed” for work. On Aug.
Police searching for 20-year-old last seen near park-n-ride
DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an endangered missing alert Tuesday for a 20-year-old woman last seen near Interstate 25 on Sunday evening. last known to be near the intersection of Highway 402 and I-25 near the Loveland/Johnstown Park-N-Ride, according to information from CBI and the Evans Police Department. That was at about 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, police reported.
Car crashes into person, liquor store in Arvada; serious injuries reported
Search query Car crashes into person, liquor store in Arvada; serious injuries reported Wed, December 3, 2025 at 10:59 PM UTC DENVER (KDVR) — A person was seriously injured when a car crashed into a liquor store in Arvada on Wednesday afternoon, police reported. The Arvada Police Department told FOX31 that a car attempting to park in front of the store drove over the sidewalk and into the front of the store.
House GOP on Colorado electrification mandate: ‘What the hell is PUC doing?’ Original
FILE – People walk on a trail at the Montissippi County Park near the Xcel Energy Monticello Generating Plant, a nuclear power plant, in Monticello, Minn., on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Governor extends state’s cost saving measures into 2026
Colorado State Capitol (KDVR) Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect which measures Gov. Polis has extended through Feb. 28, 2026. We apologize for our error. DENVER (KDVR) — On the heels of the Thanksgiving holiday, Governor Jared Polis announced an extension of some of the state’s cost-saving initiatives that he signed over the summer to reduce how much Colorado is spending.
Car crashes into person, liquor store in Arvada; serious injuries reported
Posted: Dec 3, 2025 / 03:59 PM MST Updated: Dec 3, 2025 / 03:59 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — A person was seriously injured when a car crashed into a liquor store in Arvada on Wednesday afternoon, police reported. The Arvada Police Department told FOX31 that a car attempting to park in front of the store drove over the sidewalk and into the front of the store.
DIA refreshes 2 Concourse C concessions: 125 employees face layoffs
DENVER (KDVR) — Temporary closures of the Timberline Bar and Grille and Einstein Bros. Bagels on Concourse C at Denver International Airport will lead to over 100 employees facing temporary work shortages. According to DIA officials, the Timberline Bar and Grille and Einstein Bros. Bagels will be closing on Dec. 31 as part of DIA’s Concessions refresh and redevelopment program. “DEN was originally built for 50 million passengers,” a DIA spokesperson told FOX31.
Longmont man, alleged leader of 'Greggy's Cult,' charged with sexually exploiting children
Posted: Dec 3, 2025 / 07:00 AM MST Updated: Dec 3, 2025 / 07:01 AM MST The five men reportedly led an online group called “Greggy’s Cult,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs, organized in a series of Discord servers. The five men were arrested across the U.S. on Tuesday and are set to be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later time.
DIA refreshes 2 Concourse C concessions: 125 employees face layoffs
Posted: Dec 3, 2025 / 07:07 AM MST Updated: Dec 3, 2025 / 07:07 AM MST DENVER (KDVR) — Temporary closures of the Timberline Bar and Grille and Einstein Bros. Bagels on Concourse C at Denver International Airport will lead to over 100 employees facing temporary work shortages. According to DIA officials, the Timberline Bar and Grille and Einstein Bros. Bagels will be closing on Dec. 31 as part of DIA’s Concessions refresh and redevelopment program.
Man identified in Thanksgiving Eve police shooting near Greeley hospital
Posted: Dec 3, 2025 / 06:54 AM MST Updated: Dec 3, 2025 / 06:54 AM MST The Weld County Coroner’s Office said that 18-year-old Aden Alcide Jeannoutot, of Greeley, was the man killed in a police shooting outside of North Colorado Medical Center on Wednesday, Nov. 26. The 19th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team said last week that the shooting stemmed from a traffic stop: A Greeley police officer attempted a stop on a car near 21st Avenue and 16th Street with two people inside.
Longmont man, alleged leader of ‘Greggy’s Cult,’ charged with sexually exploiting children
DENVER (KDVR) — A New York indictment was unsealed Tuesday, charging five men from five states with a child sexual exploitation enterprise, including a Longmont man. The five men reportedly led an online group called “Greggy’s Cult,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs, organized in a series of Discord servers. The five men were arrested across the U.S. on Tuesday and are set to be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later time.
Cheyenne Frontier Days announces full 2026 concert lineup
Cheyenne Frontier Days announces full 2026 concert lineup DENVER (KDVR) — There’s still over half a year until Cheyenne Frontier Days is back, but on Tuesday, the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration” announced its full 2026 entertainment lineup.
Police searching for 20 year old last seen near I-25 park-n-ride on Sunday
Search query Police searching for 20 year old last seen near I-25 park-n-ride on Sunday Tue, December 2, 2025 at 11:38 PM UTC Police searching for 20 year old last seen near I-25 park-n-ride on Sunday DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an endangered missing alert Tuesday for a 20-year-old woman last seen near Interstate 25 on Sunday evening.
Dacono mobile home a ‘complete loss’ after reports of explosion: Mountain View Fire Rescue
Search query Dacono mobile home a ‘complete loss’ after reports of explosion: Mountain View Fire Rescue Tue, December 2, 2025 at 10:56 PM UTC DENVER (KDVR) — A structure fire was seen from SkyFOX on Tuesday afternoon in a Dacono neighborhood. The fire appeared to have occurred in a mobile home at the end of the cul-de-sac on Glen Heather Court. SkyFOX flew over the scene at 3:30 p.m. and saw blackened, smoking rubble in one of the lots.
Cheyenne Frontier Days announces full 2026 concert lineup
Posted: Dec 2, 2025 / 06:10 PM MST Updated: Dec 2, 2025 / 06:10 PM MST DENVER (KDVR) — There’s still over half a year until Cheyenne Frontier Days is back, but on Tuesday, the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration” announced its full 2026 entertainment lineup.
Police searching for 20 year old last seen near I-25 park-n-ride on Sunday
Posted: Dec 2, 2025 / 04:38 PM MST Updated: Dec 2, 2025 / 04:38 PM MST Kaylee Russell, 20, was last known to be near the intersection of Highway 402 and I-25 near the Loveland/Johnstown Park-N-Ride, according to information from CBI and the Evans Police Department. That was at about 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, police reported. The missing persons alert said that Russell was known to be driving a 2016 black Volkswagen Tiguan with a Colorado temporary license plate of 7880903.
Residential structure fire fought in Dacono, producing column of smoke
DENVER (KDVR) — A structure fire was seen from SkyFOX on Tuesday afternoon in a Dacono neighborhood. The fire appeared to have occurred in a mobile home at the end of the cul-de-sac on Glen Heather Court. SkyFOX flew over the scene at 3:30 p.m. and saw blackened, smoking rubble in one of the lots. There were numerous firefighters on scene and water was on the blaze. A small backyard shed also appeared to have been involved in the fire. Nearby homes did not appear to have been damaged.
30-year sentence given to man who hit landlord, 80, in head with 2×4
Search query 30-year sentence given to man who hit landlord, 80, in head with 2×4 Tue, December 2, 2025 at 1:09 PM UTC 30-year sentence given to man who hit landlord, 80, in head with 2×4 DENVER (KDVR) — A judge handed down a 30-year sentence to a 65-year-old man who attacked an 80-year-old landlord in Elbert County last year.
30-year sentence given to man who hit landlord, 80, in head with 2x4
Posted: Dec 2, 2025 / 06:09 AM MST Updated: Dec 2, 2025 / 06:09 AM MST Daniel Fougner, 65, was found guilty in October of felony assault on an at-risk person and felony tampering with physical evidence in connection with the October 2024 assault of Richard Wright, 80. The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office noted that trial testimony showed that the assault took place outside of Wright’s home in Parker, where Fougner had been staying temporarily.
Safe2Tell reports lead to arrest of 40-year-old in Brush: police
Posted: Dec 2, 2025 / 06:06 AM MST Updated: Dec 2, 2025 / 06:07 AM MST DENVER (KDVR) — Two anonymous reports made through Colorado’s Safe2Tell program led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man in Brush, police reported Monday. The Brush Police Department said that on April 7, it received two reports about 40-year-old Luis Cardenas’s behavior with teenage boys.
Aurora police officer arrested, fired after alleged domestic violence incident
DENVER (KDVR) — An Aurora Police Department officer was fired after he was arrested the night before Thanksgiving, the Aurora agency reported Monday. Officer Philip Sullivan was arrested on Nov. 26 at his home in Westminster. He is facing misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault, harassment, obstruction, resisting arrest, failure to leave a premise and prohibited use of a weapon.
‘Ongoing issue’: Police seek to ID 2 juveniles riding motorcycles into Arvada grocery store
DENVER (KDVR) — The Arvada Police Department is looking to identify two juveniles who were seen riding their e-bike motorcycles into the King Soopers during the holiday week. On Sunday, Nov. 23, two juveniles reportedly rode e-bikes into the King Soopers at the shopping plaza located at West 64th Avenue and McIntyre Parkway. The police department said that the e-bikes that the juveniles were riding appear to be E-Pro motorcycles, and are capable of speeds over 50 mph.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Heather
Contact Heather, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack