The Boulder Jewish Community Center announced on Monday morning that Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old victim of the June 1 attack that occurred on Pearl Street in Boulder, died on June 25 as a result of the injuries she sustained during the attack. Diamond’s is the first death reported as a result of the attack.
The District Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial District said in an announcement released on June 30 that it is filing additional charges against Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who perpetrated the attack. In addition to charges related to Diamond’s death, “the extensive investigation has led to more victims being identified,” and “criminal charges are now being filed in connection with those additional victims,” the office said.
The District Attorney’s office said that there have been a total of 29 victims in the attack. Of the 29 victims, 13 suffered physical injury during the attack. The office said that the complaint now contains two counts of first degree murder, 52 counts of attempted first degree murder, eight counts of first degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first degree assault, two counts of third degree assault, two counts of using an incendiary device, 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device, and one count of animal cruelty.
“Today, the District Attorney’s Office amended Counts 4 and 5 from Criminal Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder to Murder in the First Degree,” the office said. “Counts 4 and 5 pertain to the same victim. Count 4 charges First Degree Murder under an extreme indifference theory and Count 5 charges First Degree Murder with intent and after deliberation. Those two murder counts each pertain to the one victim who has passed away.”
According to the District Attorney’s Office, first degree murder carries the penalty of life without the possibility of parole, attempted first degree murder carries a prison sentence of 16 to 48 years, first degree assault carries a prison sentence of 10 to 32 years, use of an incendiary device carries a prison sentence of 16 to 48 years, and attempted use of an incendiary device carries a prison sentence of four to 12 years.
The additional charges are being filed after consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Boulder Police Department.
“Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time,” said District Attorney Michael Dougherty. “Our office will fight for justice for the victims, their loved ones, and the community. Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy; I know that the community will continue to unite in supporting the Diamond family and all the victims of this attack.”
The next court hearing in the state case is the preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for July 15 at 1:30 p.m.
The City of Boulder posted on Facebook on Monday afternoon in response to Diamond’s death. “The Boulder City Council and the entire City of Boulder organization extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Karen Diamond, who passed away last week from the horrific injuries she sustained in the antisemitic attack on Pearl Street on June 1,” the post said. “We also continue to hold the other victims close as they fight to recover from lasting physical and emotional trauma. This is an unfathomable loss for our Jewish community, still reeling from this act of hatred and violence, and we stand with them in support and solidarity. Karen’s family has requested privacy as they grieve, and we encourage our community to give them the space and grace they have requested.”
