CAPTURED: Hammer Killer in Denver
Crime Junkie
Deep Dive
Why did the attacks by the Denver Hammer Killer suddenly stop?
The attacks stopped because the killer, Alex Ewing, was arrested for another crime just eleven days after the Bennett family murders. He was incarcerated and later escaped, but was eventually apprehended again.
What was the motive behind the Denver Hammer Killer's attacks?
The motive was primarily driven by rage and a desire for sexual assault and robbery. The killer targeted easy homes with unlocked doors or open garages, focusing on vulnerable families.
How did the authorities finally identify the Denver Hammer Killer?
The authorities identified the killer through a CODIS hit in 2018, which matched DNA evidence from the Bennett family murders to Alex Ewing, who was already in prison for another crime.
Why did it take so long to solve the Denver Hammer Killer case?
The case remained unsolved for decades due to a lack of advanced forensic technology in the 1980s, contamination of evidence, and inadequate storage practices. It wasn't until DNA profiling and genealogy techniques advanced that the killer was identified.
What was the impact of the Denver Hammer Killer on the community?
The community was terrorized and lived in fear, with gun sales spiking and community meetings focusing on safety. The case also had a lasting emotional impact on the surviving victims and their families.
How did the Denver Hammer Killer's behavior change after his initial attacks?
After the Bennett family murders, Ewing fled Colorado but continued his violent behavior, attacking another couple in Arizona and later breaking into a home in Utah, where he severely injured a couple. His behavior escalated in intensity and frequency.
What role did DNA evidence play in solving the Denver Hammer Killer case?
DNA evidence was crucial in linking the various attacks to a single perpetrator. Advances in DNA technology and genealogy allowed investigators to match the DNA from the crime scenes to Alex Ewing, who was already in prison.
How did the Denver Hammer Killer manage to evade capture for so long?
Ewing evaded capture initially by fleeing Colorado and later by exploiting gaps in the criminal justice system, such as not being DNA tested despite being a felon. His escape from custody also allowed him to continue his attacks undetected for a short period.
- Patricia Smith was brutally murdered with a hammer.
- The killer's motives were likely robbery and sexual assault.
- The crime scene was contaminated, making it difficult to gather conclusive evidence.
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