Westcliffe Man Sentenced to Life for Triple Murder, No Parole

URGENT UPDATE: A Westcliffe man has just been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal murders of three neighbors. Hanme Clark, 47, received this sentence on three counts of first-degree murder following a jury conviction late Thursday afternoon.

The sentencing took place on January 19, 2024, as Judge Lauren Swan expressed her dismay at Clark’s lack of remorse. Clark was found guilty of fatally shooting Robert Geers, 63, his wife Beth Wade Geers, 73, and James Daulton, 58, on November 21, 2023. The violent altercation occurred amid escalating tensions over a property dispute in Custer County, Colorado.

During the hearing, the victims’ families shared their heart-wrenching testimonies about the profound loss they suffered. Clark, however, defiantly maintained his innocence, claiming he was wrongfully convicted. “My main objective in life is to make sure innocence is not defiled,” Clark stated. His words angered Judge Swan, who remarked, “To claim there is a defiling of the innocence over the course of this case is a slap to this justice system.”

In addition to the life sentence for the murders, Clark received a consecutive 48-year sentence for one count of criminal attempt to commit murder, along with three additional years for menacing.

The incident unfolded when Clark, who operated a nonprofit called Herbal Gardens & Wellness at his Rocky Ridge Road residence, confronted the Geers and Daultons over an ongoing property line dispute. The day before the murders, both Clark and Geers had contacted the local sheriff’s office regarding escalating tensions.

Eyewitnesses revealed that on the morning of the shooting, Geers had requested a civil standby from law enforcement due to fears of Clark’s aggressive behavior. Witness William Bechaver, a surveyor present during the incident, recounted the heated exchange that led to the tragic shooting. “Clark reached for his gun, drew it, and shot Robert in the chest,” Bechaver testified.

This shocking case highlights the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts and serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence in domestic disputes. The community of Westcliffe is left reeling from these tragic events, grappling with the loss of three lives in a single morning.

Authorities are now focusing on the aftermath of this case and what measures can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. With Clark pursuing an appeal, the legal battle may not be over yet.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.