Dad "working toward deal" in murder of 4-month-old son (Lafayette, Colorado)

We've reported on dad BENJAMIN KOLLER several times over the last few months. He is currently facing 1st-degree murder charges in the death of this 4-month-old son, but is trying to work a deal with prosecutors.

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/ci_14689050#axzz0iRtAj1qt

Benjamin Koller working toward deal in first-degree murder case
By Vanessa Miller, Camera staff writer
Posted: 03/17/2010 08:45:58 AM MDT

A Lafayette father charged with first-degree murder in the death of his infant son was scheduled to enter a plea this morning but postponed the hearing because his attorney said, “We're in the process of negotiations.”

Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett told a judge that he would have preferred to have Benjamin Koller enter a plea today but conceded that prosecutors are talking with defense attorneys about a possible resolution to the case that would keep it from going to trial.

A Boulder County District Court judge in February ruled that enough evidence exists to try Koller in the death of his 4-month-old son, Jack. After presenting evidence at the preliminary hearing, a prosecutor argued that Koller played down the abuse to his son when he admitted to suffocating, shaking, biting and dropping the child.

Koller, 26, was arrested July 24 on suspicion of child abuse after bringing his then-7-week-old son to the hospital with critical injuries from alleged abuse – include a skull fracture, multiple bruises, bite marks and scratches to his face.

Doctors told police that Jack had “considerable widespread brain damage,” retinal hemorrhaging and bruising behind his ear “indicative of being grabbed by the ear.”

The infant was released from the hospital in August into the care of his grandmother. The family had hoped the boy would recover, but he died Oct. 5.

The Boulder County Coroner's Office ruled his death a homicide in December, and Koller faces charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.

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