DA Drops Murder Charges for Man Convicted in 1993 Pipe Bombings

James Genrich maintains innocence as new evidence leads to dismissal of murder charges, but other convictions stand.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered pipe fragment against a pitch-black background, capturing the dramatic texture and material details of this crime-related object under harsh, direct lighting.A stark, gritty close-up of physical evidence from a decades-old bombing case exposes the lasting impact of violent crime.Grand Junction Today

After over 30 years, the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office in Colorado has filed a motion to dismiss first-degree murder charges against James Genrich, who was convicted in 1993 for a deadly series of pipe bombings in Grand Junction that killed two people and injured several others. The decision comes after the Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed new evidence showing the original expert testimony was no longer admissible, and with over two dozen witnesses now dead, the DA's office felt they could not move forward with a retrial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system, especially when dealing with convictions from decades ago. The dismissal of the murder charges raises questions about the reliability of the original investigation and prosecution, while also underscoring the challenges of seeking justice for victims' families after so much time has passed.

The details

In 1993, James Genrich was convicted for a string of pipe bombings in Grand Junction, Colorado that killed Maria Dolores Gonzales and Henry Ruble and injured several others. Genrich has maintained his innocence, and the Innocence Project became involved in his case. Last May, the Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed new evidence showing the original expert testimony was no longer admissible. With over two dozen witnesses now deceased, the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office filed a motion to dismiss the first-degree murder charges against Genrich, though his other convictions for use of an explosive device and third-degree assault will stand, and he will continue serving his 72-year sentence.

  • Genrich was convicted in 1993 for the pipe bombings.
  • Last May, the Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed new evidence in the case.
  • On Friday, the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office announced it would file a motion to dismiss the first-degree murder charges.
  • A court hearing was held on Monday morning to approve the dismissal of the murder charges.

The players

James Genrich

The man convicted in 1993 for a series of deadly pipe bombings in Grand Junction, Colorado, who has maintained his innocence and had the murder charges against him dismissed due to new evidence.

Maria Dolores Gonzales

One of the two people killed in the 1993 pipe bombings in Grand Junction.

Henry Ruble

The other person killed in the 1993 pipe bombings in Grand Junction.

Maria Guadalupe Gonzales

The twin sister of Maria Dolores Gonzales, one of the victims killed in the 1993 pipe bombings.

Abraham Medina

The brother of Maria Dolores Gonzales, one of the victims killed in the 1993 pipe bombings.

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What they’re saying

“Well, when we were notified of this reopening of his case. It just hit me worse. And the decision today, we do not agree, but like we say, we leave it in God's hands. But definitely Genrich is to blame for it.”

— Maria Guadalupe Gonzales, Twin sister of Dolores Gonzales

“You could still see his grin. I mean, even though he was trying to hide it. But you could still see his grin. And he's not safe to be out.”

— Abraham Medina, Brother of Dolores Gonzales

What’s next

The judge approved the dismissal of the murder charges against Genrich during the court hearing on Monday. Genrich will continue serving his 72-year sentence for the other convictions related to the pipe bombings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with convictions from decades ago, especially when new evidence emerges that calls into question the reliability of the original investigation and prosecution. While the dismissal of the murder charges provides some relief for Genrich, it also leaves lingering questions and pain for the victims' families who still seek justice and closure.