MAN CHARGED IN DEATH OF 3YEAROLD BOY

Denver prosecutors this week charged a 33yearold man with firstdegree murder in connection with the September death of his girlfriend’s young son.

John Affourtit was also charged with child abuse resulting in death.

Affourtit is accused of killing 3yearold Jeromiah Gurule on Sept. 25 at the apartment he shared with his girlfriend and her son in the 900 block of South Dahlia Street.

Police and medical personnel responded to the apartment on a report of a child who was not breathing, but were unable to revive the child. The Denver Medical Examiner’s Office determined Jeromiah died as a result of physical abuse. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post

Pedestrian struck, killed by train.

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a lightrail train at Santa Fe Drive and Bayaud Avenue in the Baker neighborhood on Thursday, Denver police said.

The light rail was shut down in both directions, and eastbound road traffic on Bayaud also was closed at Santa Fe for several hours. RTD said trains resumed operation later in the afternoon.

Police announced the crash around 12:15 p.m.

The victim, a man in his late 30s, stepped out in front of the train at a crossing, said Jay Casillas, a police spokesman. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post

Twentyfive mines set for closure.

DURANGO» Agencies are in the process of closing 25 abandoned mines on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway between Silverton and Lake City by fall to prevent any accidents or fatalities.

Tara Tafi with the Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety says the 65mile scenic route is becoming more and more popular each year prompting officials to take steps to ensure that visitors wandering into the backcountry stay safe.

Tafi says agencies have been working to close an estimated 900 abandoned mines over the past 30 years in and around the Alpine Loop area. — The Associated Press

Starting fire nets man community service.

JUNCTION» A man GRAND who admitted accidentally starting a wildfire that burned about 200 acres along the Colorado River has been sentenced to 80 hours of public service under a plea agreement.

The Daily Sentinel reported that Mike “Marlow” Mewborn was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty last month to damaging state parks property on Skipper Island near Fruita and starting a fire by burning used toilet paper in April. — The Associated Press