Denver Stylist's Alleyway Death Leads To Grand Jury Indictment

Brandon Mumma accused of tampering with body of Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A Jefferson County grand jury has indicted 44-year-old Brandon David Mumma on two counts of tampering related to the death of Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton, 34, whose decomposed remains were found in a locked alley space in Lakewood in June 2025. Prosecutors say security camera footage and cell phone data tracked Mumma's movements after Gratton's disappearance in mid-April 2025, alleging he returned to the office suite where she was last seen and later disposed of trash bags containing evidence.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns in the Denver community about the handling of the investigation and calls for independent oversight, as the coroner was unable to determine the cause and manner of Gratton's death due to advanced decomposition. Gratton's family has expressed relief that the suspect is in custody but continues to press for answers.

The details

According to prosecutors, security camera footage and cell phone data showed that Mumma returned to the Lakewood office suite where Gratton was last seen alive in the early morning hours of April 16, 2025. Investigators allege Mumma later carried trash bags to a second-story window and dropped them into a dumpster in the alley below, which they say amounted to removing Gratton's body and other evidence in an effort to avoid detection. Gratton's remains were discovered on June 6, 2025, in a narrow, locked space between two buildings on the 9600 block of West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood.

  • Gratton vanished in mid-April 2025.
  • Gratton's decomposed remains were found in early June 2025.
  • The grand jury indictment was handed up on March 9, 2026.
  • Mumma was arrested in Summit County this week.

The players

Brandon David Mumma

A 44-year-old man indicted on two counts of tampering related to the death of Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton.

Jax Gratton

A 34-year-old Denver hairstylist whose decomposed remains were found in a locked alley space in Lakewood in June 2025.

Alexis King

The First Judicial District Attorney who called the indictment the result of a months-long, collaborative investigation and praised Lakewood detectives for their work.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.