Man gets 20 years in Rampart Range slaying

The crime

A suspected methamphetamine dealer's body was found July 17 in a vehicle on Rampart Range Road.

The victim

Simon Kaiser, 29, of Colorado Springs died of head injuries, according to an autopsy. He was likely killed July 14, officials said.

The suspects

Antonio "Tone" Donaciano Salazar, 25, and Solomon Lee Chambers, 26, were charged with first-degree murder. Colorado Springs police said they also believe that Kathryn Creech, 28, set Kaiser up to be robbed that day.

She told investigators that Chambers punched Kaiser in the face one time and it "just knocked him out," according to detective Peter Quick.

"She said they never meant to kill him, just knock him out and take his stuff," Quick said.

What's new

Fourth Judicial District Judge Thomas Kane sentenced Chambers to 20 years in prison Thursday. Chambers had pleaded guilty to felony charges of second-degree assault and accessory to first-degree murder in an agreement with prosecutors.

Kane said he would have sentenced Chambers to the maximum 22 years, but he was impressed that Chambers met with the victim's father to apologize and showed remorse.

"I want to say I'm sorry for everything that's happened," Chambers told Kane.

What's next

Salazar's first-degree murder trial is scheduled to begin July 14. He is being held without bond at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center.