Colorado Parolee With Violent History Now Faces Four Murder Charges Across Three Counties

Colorado Parolee Accused of Four Murders After Early Release

A 38-year-old Colorado man who was released on parole earlier than many expected is now facing an alarming series of murder charges — four in total — spread across three separate counties. Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith stands accused of committing a deadly crime spree in 2025, along with a newly filed charge connected to a suspicious death that occurred back in 2022.

The Charges Against Roybal-Smith

Roybal-Smith currently faces two counts of first-degree murder in Adams County, one count of first-degree murder in Denver, and a second-degree murder charge in Arapahoe County. He is being held without bond at the Denver jail, according to prosecutors.

The Arapahoe County charge is linked to the 2022 death of a woman named Meg Eberhart, who was discovered unconscious at a light rail station and passed away several days later. At the time, the county coroner listed her cause of death as "undetermined," which initially prevented prosecutors from filing charges. Instead, Roybal-Smith was convicted on a separate threatening incident at a retail store and sentenced to four years in prison.

Now, after a prolonged review of the evidence, Arapahoe County prosecutors say they believe a second-degree murder charge is justified. Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley stated that while the manner-of-death ruling has not officially changed, the office carefully examined all available evidence before determining the charge was appropriate.

"As with every case we file, we will only pursue charges when we believe the evidence can reasonably prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt in court," Brackley told Fox News Digital.

Released Despite High-Risk Profile

Before his release in January 2025, Roybal-Smith had been classified as a "very high" risk for reoffending. However, his risk assessment was quietly downgraded to "moderate" prior to his parole approval. Investigative reporting by 9NEWS revealed that his assessment scores contained errors — raising serious questions about the accuracy and integrity of the evaluation process.

Within months of walking free, authorities allege Roybal-Smith began a violent rampage in Aurora, Colorado.

A Brutal Crime Spree in 2025

According to police and the Adams County Coroner's Office, Roybal-Smith allegedly stabbed two homeless men to death in separate attacks. One of the victims reportedly sustained approximately 90 stab wounds. Later that same day, he was arrested in Denver following an alleged hit-and-run incident involving two pedestrians.

After being booked into jail, authorities discovered his cellmate — 36-year-old Vincent Chacon — dead within hours. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner ruled Chacon's death a homicide, concluding that he died from strangulation. Roybal-Smith was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in that case as well.

System Failures Spark Outrage

The case has ignited fierce criticism from law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and Colorado lawmakers who argue the state's parole system failed the public.

District Attorney Amy Padden acknowledged that her office has no authority over parole decisions, but stressed that the case exposes a dangerous pattern. "We are aware of several cases in which repeat, violent offenders have been released from prison to parole earlier than expected only to go on to commit additional crimes," she said. Padden emphasized that parole should only be granted when there is clear evidence of rehabilitation, genuine accountability, and a demonstrated absence of danger to the community.

Former District Attorney George Brauchler pointed to broader policy decisions as an underlying cause. "This state, through the legislature and the governor and the parole board, has made a conscious decision that we choose to put these people back out on the street and put the community at risk more than we want to spend the tax dollars to keep them incarcerated," he said.

Colorado Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson called the situation a "serious failure" of the state's criminal justice system. "Families are grieving today because he was allowed back onto our streets," Simpson stated. He called for stronger parole oversight and insisted that violent offenders must serve sentences that reflect the true danger they pose. "Parole must never become a revolving door for violent offenders," he added.

A Daughter Seeks Acknowledgment

For the family of Meg Eberhart, the filing of the 2022 murder charge brought a measure of painful relief. Her daughter, Zada Veniegas, told 9NEWS that she was grateful her mother had not been forgotten by the justice system.

"At least the fact of what he did is being acknowledged on the legal end of things," Veniegas said. "I think it's important that she wasn't forgotten."

What Comes Next

Roybal-Smith is scheduled for arraignment in Adams County and remains in custody on a no-bond hold. The Colorado Department of Corrections and the Colorado State Board of Parole had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

The case continues to fuel a larger statewide conversation about how Colorado manages the release of violent offenders — and who bears responsibility when the system breaks down.