16-year-old who allegedly murdered homeless man in Colorado charged as an adult: police

A juvenile suspect has been formally charged as an adult in connection to the murder of a homeless man in Colorado.

Benjamin Zwahlen, 16, was arrested on Aug. 17 for first-degree murder, but his name wasn't released at the time.

On July 5 at around 7:30 p.m., officers found a deceased man, identified as Todd Stout, 58, under a bridge in the 4600 block of Mason Street in Fort Collins, Colorado, police said.

The Larimer County Coroner ruled his death a homicide caused by sharp force injuries, according to Fort Collins police.

Detectives learned Stout had recently relocated to Fort Collins from Missouri and believed he was temporarily living under the bridge at the time of his death.

Police have not released a motive for the killing.

“Todd faced some challenges, but that in no way diminishes the value of his life,” said Fort Collins police Chief Jeff Swoboda. “He was a father and a grandfather, remembered by family for his dry sense of humor. He was a member of the community. He was a human being who deserves justice, and we need our community's help getting that for him.”

On Aug. 31, police announced that Zwahlen would face charges as an adult and released his name. Zwahlen remains in juvenile detention while he awaits criminal prosecution.