IDAHO SPRINGS, Colorado – A second trial has been set for former Clear Creek County sheriff’s deputy Andrew Buen, who shot and killed 22-year-old Christian Glass after Glass called 911 for help when his car crashed. The initial trial resulted in Buen being convicted of reckless endangerment, but the more serious charges of second-degree murder and official misconduct ended in a hung jury.
Glass’ family attorney, Siddhartha Rathod, revealed that 11 out of 12 jurors favored a guilty verdict for second-degree murder, but one juror dissented, leading to a deadlock. Rathod expressed hope that Buen would plead guilty to second-degree murder before the second trial, scheduled for August 12, to spare Glass’ parents, who attended the first trial, further emotional distress.
The shooting occurred when Glass refused to exit his car, leading officers to attempt to force him out after breaking the window. Glass then brandished a knife at the officers, prompting Buen to shoot him multiple times. Prosecutors argued that Glass, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, posed no threat that justified the use of force.
On the other hand, Buen’s defense claimed Glass was under the influence of drugs and needed to be removed from the vehicle for a potential DUI investigation. A previous grand jury investigation concluded that Glass acted in panic and self-defense, disputing the need for police intervention.
After the incident, Buen was terminated from his position as a deputy. The involved law enforcement agencies later reached a $19 million settlement with Glass’ parents. The upcoming retrial puts Buen once again in the spotlight, as the legal battle over Glass’ tragic death continues.