AURORA, Colorado – A 39-year-old man from Aurora, Colorado, is currently in custody in Jefferson County in connection with a burglary that occurred on December 26 at the same store where local businessman Peter Arguello was tragically killed during a robbery on November 29. Police had been monitoring the suspect, Charles Robinson Shay, in a stolen Polestar vehicle. They observed the vehicle outside Peter Damien Fine Jewelry and Antiques around 5 a.m. on December 26, coinciding with the time of the attempted break-in.
The store had been emptied out following the killing of store owner Peter Arguello. According to a police affidavit, investigators had been focusing on Shay since a DNA match was found on flex cuffs used during the robbery and murder of Arguello. Shay has a criminal record that includes arrests for theft, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and DUI.
Shay admitted to prying open the rear door and breaking into the business on December 26, but claimed that nothing of value was found inside. When confronted with the DNA evidence linking him to the crime, he ceased speaking. Although Shay is currently being held on charges of aggravated motor vehicle theft and second-degree burglary, he has not been charged in the killing of Peter Arguello.
There is no information on how many individuals may have been involved in the robbery and murder, but two ball caps matching those seen on surveillance video from the store were discovered in the back of the burned pickup truck. The investigation is ongoing.