William H. Dickens was murdered on November 20, 1915 at 8pm. It is still considered the first unsolved murder of Boulder County.
On December 5, 1915 Rienzi Charles Dickens was arrested for the murder after admitting to the purchase of a high power 250-3000 Savage rifle, along with a box of shells (of which five were missing when arrested). He contended that he shot at posts on a farm on the Empson Hill. Authorities only found four shells, the fifth shell was found in an ashcan near the home of Rienzi Dickens.
The first trial, in Boulder, started on April 24, 1916. A total of 260 jurors were called to serve, there were 84 witnesses, and 101 pieces of evidence. Upon the stand Rienzi admitted he told many falsehoods during his initial questioning and on May 23, 1916, after more than 100 ballots taken by the jury, they found Rienzi guilty of second degree murder. He was later released on bond, pending a new trial, that started on September 23, 1921 in Greeley. Two new witnesses presented at that trail and he was ultimately found not guilty. It is believed the jury was sympathetic to the family.
Sue's passion for this piece of history came in two ways; it was a project for a Colorado History class and second, she bought the house previously owned by William H. Dickens! Sue has amassed a large amount of trial documents and archival materials. This lifelong passion continues, as there are many more clues and "rabbit holes" still to research. Sue hopes to publish a book someday.