Colo. Teen Who Volunteered at Animal Shelter Is Beaten to Death in Parking Lot

As a longtime animal lover, 18-year-old Danielle Hopton spent her free time working at a local animal shelter and helping her dad raise guide dog puppies for the blind.

But on Feb. 6, the recent high school graduate’s life was cut short when she was beaten to death, allegedly by an ex-boyfriend, say police.

Danielle Hopton

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The alleged domestic violence came to light on Feb. 6, when Fort Collins Police received a 911 call about an unconscious, injured woman in the parking lot of 525 East Drake Road, the department says in a release.

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She was rushed to a local hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries.

Detectives subsequently identified Stephen McNeil, 20, as a suspect in her killing, say police in the release.

Stephen McNeil

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He was booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of first-degree murder, a felony, domestic violence, violation of a protection order, and violation of bail bond conditions.

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Besides being charged in connection with Hopton’s death, CBS4 reports that online court records show that McNeil had been arrested in December and charged with a felony assault involving strangulation.

He was arrested in January and charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief.

He was released from jail on Jan. 22 on $2,650 in cash bonds, CBS4 reports. {snip}

Through further investigation, detectives learned that “a group of friends,” including Hopton, McNeil and another man, Ian Rayas, 20, of Timnath, “had been socializing that night,” say police in the release.

“Several of the people eventually drove to an apartment complex at 525 E. Drake Road and parked to hang out,” say police in the release.

“Hopton and McNeil,” the release says, “got out of the vehicle to talk and the assault occurred. McNeil left the scene, and a member of the group called 911.”

Rayas, who police allege falsely denied knowing what happened, was booked into the Larimer County Jail on felony charges of attempt to influence a public servant and accessory to a crime.

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