DENVER — A jury has found the handyman accused of blowing up an apartment complex on Santa Fe Drive in 2018 guilty on multiple counts.
Former handyman Todd Perkins was found guilty of multiple counts including: arson, burglary, attempt to commit murder, attempt to commit assault. Perkins was found not guilty of stalking.
In total, 9 people were injured in the August 2018 blast.
Perkins had pled not guilty to the charges.
Throughout the case, prosecutors have argued Perkins knowingly and deliberately unhooked the gas lines and ignited natural gas, causing the apartment complex to explode. The prosecution said Perkins was a disgruntled former employee, motivated by his vendetta against the property’s owner because he fired Perkins.
Perkins’ defense said there is no proof and that the jury has been asked to make decisions based on speculation. Perkins’ attorneys argued Perkins’ DNA on a wrench and a thermostat in the apartment at the center of the explosion is not enough proof to convict the handyman.
On Friday, Denver DA Beth McCann said, “I commend the dozens of first responders, the Denver Fire Department, the Denver Police Department and my incredible staff of victim advocates, investigators and prosecutors for their hard work on this case which led to Todd Norman Perkins being found guilty. In addition, I thank the members of the jury for their service on this long trial as well as Judge Madden for his leadership. Finally, I hope that Mr. Perkins’ victims feel that justice was served and I wish them all the best as they move forward with their lives.”