LONGMONT, Colo. – Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal assault that took place at a Longmont bus stop. The incident, which resulted in the death of a 44-year-old man identified as Brendan Murphy, unfolded on Thursday morning near the Front Range Community College.
According to an affidavit for the suspect’s arrest, witnesses reported seeing the assailant, identified as Kamaloni Manu, attacking the victim with a tree branch. The assault was captured on video by school cameras, showing Manu striking the victim multiple times without provocation.
Following the attack, a caller dialed 911 to report the altercation unfolding near the bus stop. The Longmont Public Safety department shared details of the incident on Facebook, leading to the apprehension of Manu about an hour and a half after the assault.
In custody, Manu initially denied the allegations against him, claiming to have witnessed a separate altercation before leaving the scene. However, when presented with video evidence of the attack, he confessed to striking the victim, stating that he believed the victim was a child molester. Manu expressed disdain for such behavior and claimed to have acted in the interest of justice.
The Boulder County coroner identified the victim as Brendan Murphy, signaling a tragic end to the altercation that resulted in his untimely death. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the assault and the factors that led to such a violent incident near a local bus stop in Longmont.
The case highlights the importance of accurate reporting and swift action in addressing incidents of violence within the community. Investigators are piecing together the events leading up to the attack, uncovering the motives behind Manu’s actions and seeking justice for the victim and their loved ones affected by this senseless act of violence.