Denver Police Department
Bryan Coe was arrested Oct. 16 in connection with Pechanga Tribal Councilman Gabriel Pico’s death.
Tribal councilman choked to death
By
Victor Morales, Today correspondent
Story Published:
Nov 7, 2008
Story Updated:
Nov 7, 2008
DENVER – A tribal councilman from southern California was choked to death during an altercation in front of a strip bar in August, an autopsy conducted indicated.
The man authorities believe was responsible for killing Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Councilman Gabriel Pico turned himself in Oct. 16, said Denver Police public information officer Sonny Jackson.
Bryan Coe is under investigation for “reckless manslaughter,” although prosecutors are still determining what exact charge they will seek.
“We won’t know what the exact charge will be until we review the case file and make a final decision,” said Lynn Kimbrough, spokeswoman for the Denver district attorney’s office.
Coe has been released from the Denver County Jail on a $25,000 bond, she said.
At the time of the incident on Aug. 31, Coe was an employee of the Diamond Cabaret & Steakhouse in downtown Denver, a swanky strip club that offers $1,500 VIP memberships and boasts filet mignon and escargot on its menu. Pico was allegedly engaged in an altercation at the club with Coe after he attended the Democratic National Convention.
Two other men, both patrons of the club, were arrested the night of the incident on suspicion of second-degree assault, Kimbrough said. They have been released on bail. Jackson declined to release details of the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
Kimbrough said Coe is scheduled to return to court for an arraignment hearing in February.
Pico was a first-term councilmember of just two months. He left behind three daughters, two sons and one grandson.
Monday, Dec 8 at 10:02 AM Spirit Finds Ways wrote ...
It is always unfortunate that someone dies no matter who or where they are. When a nation dishonors its people (drugs, alcohol, greed, disenrollment, moratoriums are the sins of a nation)the spirit finds ways to amend the evil.
Flag for moderationTuesday, Nov 25 at 11:13 AM Original Pechanga wrote ...
While it IS a strip club, it's also a restaurant of fine reputation. No matter, Gabriel Pico was OUTSIDE. Going into a strip club doesn't mean one should be CHOKED TO DEATH. He was NOT there on official tribal business, but as a guest. This man was KILLED, he didn't die of natural causes.
Flag for moderationSunday, Nov 23 at 2:23 AM IWILLALWAYSLOVEMYBROTHER wrote ...
HEY MY BROTHER WAS TAKEN FROM US AND IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE IT WAS, HOW DARE ANYBODY SAY ANY NEGATIVE ABOUT HIM NOW THAT HE IS GONE! THE ONE YOU SHOULD BE SAYING BAD THINGS ABOUT IS THE MAN WHO KILLED MY BROTHER!!! IT'S NOT ABOUT WHERE IT WAS DONE IT'S ABOUT WHO DID IT! AND NOW ALL OF US WHO SUFFER THE LOSS OF THE SPECIAL PERSON HE WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE TO US! SO WATCH WHAT YOU SAY! AND GOD HELP YOU WITH YOUR COMMENTS!!!!!
Flag for moderationThursday, Nov 20 at 7:53 PM knudsenallndn wrote ...
A manslaughter charge? Crazy - this should be a minimum 3rd degree murder charge - The Pechanga's should sue this night club for all they have - This situation could have easily been averted if the Club employed bouncers with some brains instead of brawn.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Nov 19 at 10:29 AM rezzer1945 wrote ...
This isn't a one-time occurrence. I come from a reservation in Montana and I know of two councilmen who go to conferences and frequent strip clubs. They forgot what they were there for, which was an Education conference.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Nov 19 at 4:23 AM ponyrony wrote ...
oh so he deserved being choked to death people to cast the first stone are as intolerant as they are useless and painful to the family left behind people belonging to a family remember the family
Flag for moderationMonday, Nov 17 at 6:19 PM DiggingtheSceneWithaGanstalean wrote ...
the leaders often in power should be required to sign an agreement to represent in good standing at all times..24/7..not be cuddled to think that such behavior is acceptable...want you and your tribe to be taken seriously then walk the walk...kinda like my wife and i were told about one of my relatives who is the tribal alcohol center director and has been for years...he was stumbling around in front of other tribes leaders making a fool of himself..BE A CONTENDER..NOT A PRETENDER!!
Flag for moderationMonday, Nov 17 at 11:37 AM Spiritwalker Woods wrote ...
I thank the Creator that the spirit of our brother Red Crow is set free. I will remember him to the community here in Worcester, Mass at WCCATV13. It is there I host a talk show titlrd "Drum of the People" In my beginning announcements for the show, we remember our elders and pray for those onthe Spirit Path.
Flag for moderationSunday, Nov 16 at 12:26 PM zach wrote ...
that man should have not been there in the first place while other natives are poor and on hardship he was out spending the tribes money
Flag for moderationThursday, Nov 13 at 12:04 PM lennon wrote ...
You can always count on natives to show no sympathy for other natives. We always hear criticisms of tribal council members but most of these critics don't do much to help their people. They complain about everything you can think of but here's the worst of it. If you give these council bashers a chance to do something, like start a non profit for ex, they won't do that either. They expect others to solve all their problems and do everything for them. Turn off the TV and help the community 4 once
Flag for moderationWednesday, Nov 12 at 4:41 PM lynda frank wrote ...
It is not unusual for any Leader to go to these kinds of places,that's where they spend the money which should be going to the people that are struggling to make ends meet on reservations.They Wine and Dine at our expense.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Nov 12 at 2:32 PM don wrote ...
What was he doing at a strip club with his wife anyways? Especially around a bunch of sex crazed drunken rednecks.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Nov 12 at 10:51 AM TontomeansHonky wrote ...
When representatives are in the Public Domain such as conference or on any Tribal business they have no business in seedy places such as strip clubs which are often frequented by criminal or druggie types. It was an unfortunate occurrence for his tribe and family.
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