A Denver judge has denied a request to reduce bail for Luis Mendoza, one of two men charged in the shooting of Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds.
Prosecutors described the attack as a “coordinated, organized assault” and argued against reducing Mendoza’s bail, set at $300,000 cash.
Violent Attack on Broncos Receiver
Josh Reynolds and two companions were leaving a strip club in Glendale, Colorado, around 3 a.m. on October 18 when they noticed they were being followed.
Surveillance footage later revealed that multiple vehicles trailed their SUV as they drove onto Interstate 25.
Suddenly, gunfire erupted, with over 30 bullets hitting the vehicle.
The SUV was disabled in the attack, forcing Reynolds and his companions to flee on foot.
Reynolds was shot in the arm and the back of his head, while another man was hit in the back.
A third victim was injured by shattered glass.
Despite the severity of the assault, all three managed to escape over a fence and call 911 for help.
Suspects Face Severe Charges
Luis Mendoza, 35, and Burr Charlesworth, 42, were arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder and assault.
Prosecutors allege Mendoza played a central role in organizing the attack. Charlesworth claimed he was “helping a friend” but denied firing any shots.
Mendoza's counsel asked for a bond reduction during a court hearing, pointing to his duties as a caretaker for his small daughter and his wife, who needs significant surgery.
The judge refused the appeal, nevertheless, stressing the violent nature of the crime and worries about witness tampering resulting from Mendoza's release.
While they wait for their next court visit on December 16, both suspects remain under detention.
Evidence Points to Coordinated Plot
The investigation has uncovered significant evidence pointing to a premeditated attack.
Surveillance footage shows Mendoza entering the strip club shortly after midnight and closely monitoring Reynolds and his companions.
When the group left around 2:45 a.m., multiple vehicles followed them into the parking lot and later onto the highway.
Police recovered shell casings and examined the victims’ SUV, which had numerous bullet holes, including in the windshield and driver-side panels.
The Denver District Attorney’s Office has described the attack as “coordinated and organized.”
Authorities are actively investigating and expect to make additional arrests in connection with the case.
Reynolds Recovers Amid Team Support
Despite the psychological effects of the shooting and his injuries, Josh Reynolds is recovering.
Already sidelined with a finger injury, the wide receiver has had support from his teammates and the Broncos team.
Although Reynolds's shooting injuries are not likely to extend his stay on injured reserve, the emotional toll of the attack is still somewhat noteworthy.
Reynolds has been praised by the Broncos for his fortitude; he has also been observed interacting with the team and showing up for sessions.
Both supporters and colleagues see his will to keep on as a source of inspiration during this trying period.
