Mayor To Widow Of Murdered Cabbie: 'Entire City Is Behind You'
DENVER (CBS4) - Melva Bloomquist was met with hugs from strangers and friends at a memorial for her husband, Darren. She was also greeted by Denver's Major.
The 49-year old cabbie was shot while doing his job for Metro Taxi Denver's Green Valley Ranch neighborhood.
"I think he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time," Melva Bloomquist said.
Metro Taxi organized the memorial. Mayor Michael Hancock was in attendance. He told the crowd whoever is responsible for Bloomquist's murder will be brought to justice.
"What a tragic loss," the mayor said to Bloomquist's widow. "I know there is nothing I can do to ease that pain, that void. But I hope you are comforted knowing this entire city is behind you."
Darren Bloomquist was moonlighting as a cabbie to help pay his wife's medical bills. We also learned he has several psychology degrees. Metro Taxi's General Manager, Kyle Brown, said Bloomquist was always helping others.
"All of us, all the cab drivers could benefit from just a little piece of Darren inside of all of us," Brown said.
Homicide detectives on Bloomquist's case were also in attendance. Denver police arrested a 17-year-old on suspicion of the murder. Melva Bloomquist says she considers him an adult. "He knew what he was doing and knew it was wrong."
Melva Bloomquist added that she's unsure what tomorrow brings for her but is thankful for the outpouring of support from the community.
"I thank them, so much, from the bottom of my heart," she said.
The Denver District Attorney's office confirms that charges should be decided by next week for the 17-year-old arrested in this case.
Additional Resources
Metro Taxi has set up a a GoFundMepage to help Bloomquist's widow with mounting debt.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.
