Denver Family Mourns Son’s Tragic Death Amid Community Calls for Change
Denver, CO – The family of Nicholas Burkett, one of the victims killed in a tragic series of stabbings in downtown Denver last weekend, is grappling with their loss while raising awareness about mental health and homelessness. Burkett, 34, struggled with mental illness and addiction, ultimately living on the streets of the city he once called home.
His mother, Carol Cortez, reminisces about his childhood, recalling a vibrant boy who loved art and music. "He was always busy doing something," she said. However, as he grew older, his battles with mental health escalated, leading to legal troubles and homelessness. "He wasn’t a threat to anyone by any means," Wayne Burkett, his father, stated, highlighting his son’s fragile state due to drug abuse.
Burkett’s life was cut short when he was stabbed by 24-year-old Elijah Caudill, who is alleged to be responsible for multiple stabbings over the weekend. Nicholas’s sister, Maxine, expressed the surreal nature of their grief, saying it feels like a “weird fever dream.” The family had feared the possibility of an overdose but were unprepared for the reality of homicide.
In the wake of their loss, the Burketts empathize with other victims, including 71-year-old Celinda Levno, who also lost her life during the violent spree. They implore the community to address mental health and homelessness more effectively, urging for systemic changes rather than the current inadequate solutions. “Their lives matter, and we care about them,” emphasized Wayne.
To honor Nicholas and support his funeral expenses, the family has launched a crowdfunding campaign while advocating for a safer Denver for all.