Former Martial Arts Fighter Gets 3 Life Sentences for Deadly Driveway Dispute

Hanme Clark convicted of shooting 4 neighbors in Westcliffe, Colorado over property line disagreement

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Colorado man named Hanme Clark was sentenced to three life sentences plus an additional 48-year prison term for shooting four of his neighbors in Westcliffe in November 2023 during a dispute over property lines. Clark confronted his neighbor Robert Geers as a surveyor was measuring the property, leading to a deadly altercation where Clark shot and killed Geers, his wife Beth, and two other neighbors, James and Patty Daulton. Patty Daulton was the only survivor of the attack.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of unresolved property disputes escalating to violence, as well as the potential consequences for those who take the law into their own hands. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in mediating neighborhood conflicts before they turn deadly.

The details

According to court documents, on November 20, 2023, Clark confronted his neighbor Robert Geers as a surveyor was measuring the property lines. Clark yelled about trespassing, and Geers began recording the encounter on his cellphone. After a brief conversation, Clark shot and killed Geers. He then turned his gun on Geers' wife Beth, as well as their neighbors James and Patty Daulton, killing all three. Patty Daulton was the only victim to survive the attack.

  • On November 20, 2023, the shooting incident occurred in Westcliffe, Colorado.
  • On February 24, 2026, Hanme Clark was sentenced to three life sentences plus an additional 48-year prison term for the shootings.

The players

Hanme Clark

A 47-year-old man convicted of shooting four of his neighbors in Westcliffe, Colorado in 2023 during a dispute over property lines.

Robert Geers

A 62-year-old man who was shot and killed by Hanme Clark during the property dispute.

Beth Wade Geers

The 38-year-old wife of Robert Geers, who was also shot and killed by Hanme Clark.

James Daulton

A 58-year-old neighbor who was shot and killed by Hanme Clark.

Patty Daulton

A 58-year-old neighbor who was the only survivor of the shooting attack by Hanme Clark.

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What they’re saying

“It's horrible. It sucks. I lost my older brother. I was going to teach him to fly fish up there.”

— Carl Geers, Brother of Robert Geers (CBS Colorado)

“My brother moved up there, and the prior owner didn't bother to tell him what was going on. He walked into a hornets nest.”

— Carl Geers, Brother of Robert Geers (CBS Colorado)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Hanme Clark out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better conflict resolution and mediation in rural property disputes, as well as the importance of law enforcement intervention before tensions escalate to deadly violence. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when neighbors are unable to resolve their differences peacefully.