Man Suspected in Multiple Denver-Area Murders Faces New Charges

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Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith, a man already suspected of murdering three people in Aurora and Denver last year, is now under investigation for another murder that took place in 2022. Roybal-Smith was arrested in 2025 for two fatal DUI/hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians and the fatal stabbing of two homeless men. He is now facing charges of second-degree murder in the death of Margaret Eberhart, who was attacked outside the Englewood Civic Center in June 2022.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of repeat offenders and the need for stronger measures to prevent violent crimes, especially in the Denver metro area which has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent years. The investigation into Roybal-Smith's potential involvement in multiple murders also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.

The details

Roybal-Smith was arrested in 2025 after investigators determined he was the suspect in two fatal DUI/hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians and the fatal stabbing of two homeless men in June. The following day, Denver police said Roybal-Smith assaulted and killed his cellmate, Vincent Chacon, at the Downtown Detention Center. Roybal-Smith is now facing charges of second-degree murder in the death of Margaret Eberhart, who was attacked outside the Englewood Civic Center in June 2022. Dashcam footage and surveillance video allegedly show Roybal-Smith following and attacking Eberhart.

• Eberhart was attacked outside the Englewood Civic Center in June 2022.
• Roybal-Smith was arrested in 2025 for the other murders.
• An arrest warrant for Roybal-Smith in the Eberhart case was issued on Feb. 25, 2026.

What’s next

An arrest warrant was issued for Roybal-Smith, who is in custody in the Denver Detention Center, on Feb. 25, 2026.