Team Investigates Fatal Aurora Police Shooting
The 18th Judicial District team is reviewing an officer-involved shooting that resulted in one death on August 30, 2025.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 30, 2025, in Aurora. The incident, which took place near East 6th Avenue and Sable Boulevard, claimed the life of 37-year-old Rajon Belt-Stubblefield.
Why it matters
The investigation is handled by an independent multi-agency team to ensure police use of force is reviewed impartially. This process concludes with a charging decision from the District Attorney to determine if the officer's actions were legally justified.
The Critical Incident Response Team, which activates within 2 hours of a qualifying event, is currently reviewing the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Rajon Belt-Stubblefield.
The players
18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team
This multi-agency investigative unit operates within Arapahoe County to conduct independent reviews of officer-involved shootings.
Rajon Belt-Stubblefield
He was the 37-year-old individual who died during the fatal officer-involved shooting in Aurora.
The details
The investigation team consists of personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies throughout Arapahoe County. Should the District Attorney decide against filing criminal charges, the office is required to issue a public report detailing the findings.
Timeline
The Critical Incident Response Team investigated 12 incidents in 2022.
The team recorded 6 incidents in 2023.
The fatal shooting occurred in Aurora on August 30, 2025.
Investigators reviewed 9 critical incidents in 2024.
Legal Context
This investigation follows the 18th Judicial District's independent use-of-force review protocol, which mandates external oversight for all officer-involved shootings. Such multi-agency reviews are standard practice in Arapahoe County to ensure objective findings are presented to the District Attorney.
The activation of the Critical Incident Response Team near East 6th Avenue and Sable Boulevard serves as a formal process to maintain transparency in local policing. Residents should expect the District Attorney to release a final charging decision publicly once the independent evidence review concludes.
The takeaway
The multi-agency investigative model seeks to remove potential conflicts of interest when local officers are involved in fatal incidents. Transparency in these cases is maintained through the eventual public disclosure of the District Attorney's charging decision.
Further reading
For more information on investigative protocols, visit the Law Enforcement section.
