Sixteen Killings and Attacks at Colorado Strip Clubs

Violence at Colorado strip clubs, particularly in the metro Denver area, has garnered significant attention in recent times. Two recent events have once again brought these establishments under scrutiny: a double shooting near PT’s Showclub on West Evans Avenue, confirmed by the Denver Police Department, and the successful prosecution of 44-year-old Ryan Ashland for a deadly assault with a baseball bat at the same venue in April 2019.

Since 2011, at least sixteen incidents involving killings, attacks, or deaths have occurred at or near strip clubs across Colorado. The majority of these incidents unfolded in the greater Denver area. Below is a summary of these incidents, presented in chronological order, with details on their locations and circumstances.

1. February 8, 2011: Dandy Dan’s, Denver – An altercation in the club’s parking lot resulted in the death of George Valenzuela-Lopez.
2. August 13, 2014: Platinum 84, Denver – Two customers were shot but survived following a gunfire altercation.
3. September 27, 2014: Platinum 84, Denver – A Federal Heights Police officer was injured while intervening in an incident involving a patron who refused to leave the club.
4. March 4, 2015: Fantasy Gentleman’s Club, Grand Junction – A customer was stabbed after entering the wrong vehicle.
5. April 21, 2015: PT’s Showclub, Denver – Armed gunmen entered the club, prompting a police response.
6. August 27, 2015: PT’s Showclub, Denver – A dancer was stabbed by another dancer outside the venue.
7. September 13, 2015: PT’s All Nude II, Denver – A patron was killed outside the club following an argument, leading to a conviction for murder.
8. September 27, 2015: Players Club, Denver – A man survived being shot outside the venue.
9. June 4, 2016: Players Club, Denver – A man shot at the club died later in hospital.
10. January 8, 2017: Players Club, Denver – Shots were exchanged between club security and patrons, resulting in one fatality.
11. October 22, 2017: Shotgun Willie’s, Glendale – An employee was shot by a disgruntled patron.
12. December 31, 2017: Dandy Dan’s, Denver – A patron was fatally shot in the club’s parking lot.
13. February 22, 2019: DejaVu Showgirls, Colorado Springs – Shots were fired at employees, marking the beginning of an alleged crime spree.
14. April 28, 2019: PT’s Showclub, Denver – A fatal assault with a baseball bat led to the conviction of Ryan Ashland.
15. May 2, 2019: Shotgun Willie’s, Glendale – A customer died after being placed in a chokehold by a venue employee.
16. May 1, 2022: PT’s Showclub, Denver – Two individuals were shot outside the club, with no arrests announced yet.

The string of violent incidents underscores the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures within the adult entertainment industry.