Detective Donald Lee DeBruno, Denver Police Department, Colorado

Detective Donald Lee DeBruno

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Wednesday, December 10, 1975

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Donald Lee DeBruno

Detective Donald DeBruno was shot and killed while he and his partner attempted to serve warrants on a man wanted for six thefts in Kentucky and the murder of a man in Toronto, Canada.

Detective DeBruno and his partner located the man at the Denver Bus Station, which was located at 1055 19th Street. When they approached the man, a gunfight ensued. Detective DeBruno was shot in the chest, his partner was wounded, and the suspect was critically wounded.

The suspect, 29, shot four times and paralyzed from the waist down, was sentenced to life in prison. He was eligible for parole in 2006 but was denied. He had another hearing in December 2007.

Detective DeBruno had served with the Denver Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .36 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

arrest attempt, fugitive, warrant

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Most Recent Reflection

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It's been almost 50 years since Don passed, and it still hurts. Don and I were on the wrestling and track teams at North High School, and we went to the University of Colorado at the same time during the 1960s. Don's older brother was one of my teachers at Horace Mann Junior High School. His mother made the best hamburgers, and another family member (maybe it was his dad) made great red wine. Don told stories that always made me laugh. What a waste his death was. RIP Don!

Milo Colton, PhD, JD, Professor Emeritus
St. Mary's University, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Criminolog

January 30, 2025