Suspected Gunman Interrupts Judge, Wants John Elway's Attorney

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4)- The suspected gunman in a deadly shooting in a quiet Centennial neighborhood interrupted the judge as his public defender expressed concerns about the man's mental health.

Kevin Lyons' name was read aloud in court on Tuesday morning. He was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder and felony menacing.

Lyons was arrested Monday afternoon after a search of the neighborhood near South Monaco Street and Dry Creek Road.

In court on Tuesday, Lyons had several outbursts, including one where he said he didn't want a public defender and instead would get John Elway's attorney to represent him.

Police say Lyons opened fire on his wife and two neighbors who heard gunshots and went to the home to try to help.

Several people in the area called 911 to report gun shots just after 1 p.m. Monday. Witnesses say the gunman initially was firing shots at his wife, identified as Elizabeth Lyons, 44, then began firing at the two who stepped in.

One man was killed, Ken Atkinson, a well-known neighbor and a doctor with a practice in the area. He and another witness, identified as Laurie Juergens, 46, attempted to intervene as Lyons was firing shots.

All three victims were rushed to the hospital where Atkinson died. Elizabeth Lyons and Juergens are expected to make a full recovery.

Investigators have not released a motive in the shootings but believe Lyons' wife was his initial target.

Lyons' public defender expressed concerns about his mental health. In courty Tuesday, Lyons interrupted Judge Carlos Samour Jr. multiple times saying he didn't want a public defender and that he was going to have John Elway's attorney represent him.

At one point, Lyons told his public defender, "I don't know you, bro" and "Take me to my cell, I'll wait for my attorneys to come get me."

Lyons also stated more than once that he didn't understand several documents that he had already signed.

Samour said he wasn't "playing games" but Lyons responded, "It's in God's hands."

Lyons remains in custody without bond and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Friday.

The shooting victim who died, Atkinson, was well known in the community partially because of his family's struggle with Fanconi anemia, a rare blood disorder that impacted two of his children.

Atkinson and his wife organized blood drives where they tried to find marrow donor matches for their children. The children eventually died of the disease. The couple had two surviving daughters.