On September 23rd, 2023, in Boulder, Colorado, my incredible brother Marius, a gentle soul with special needs, experienced a gruesomely violent assault. While walking home from Best Buy—a place he loves for its array of video games and electronics—Marius was brutally attacked by Derek Jordan, a notorious figure with a lengthy and disturbing criminal record. The attack occurred near Junction Place and Goose Creek Path as Marius was heading home to enjoy the CU football game.
Marius suffered extensive injuries in the assault: a broken nose, a severely torn tear duct requiring surgical repair with a stent, nine stitches around and inside his right eyelid, and numerous lacerations. Beyond the physical trauma, the deeper emotional wounds have cast a long-lasting shadow of fear and vulnerability over him.
The Boulder Police swiftly apprehended and jailed Derek Jordan, bringing momentary relief to Marius, who felt, albeit briefly, shielded from further harm. However, this sense of security was shattered on October 11th when Jordan shockingly posted the $5,000 appearance bond. This occurred despite the Public Defender’s assertion just two days earlier that Jordan could not afford even a $1,000 bail. Compounding this concern, at the initial bond hearing—considering Jordan’s extensive felonious history—the Boulder District Attorney had requested a $75,000 secured bond. Despite this, the court opted for a $50,000 secured bond with a $5,000 cash option, which catalyzed his early release. This grievous lapse in the justice system plunged Marius into deep terror.
Overwhelmed with fear, Marius sought refuge at a neighbor's house until exhaustion overtook his anxiety. His dread intensified the following morning when he awoke to screams outside his window, fearing that Jordan was nearby. A 6:30 AM call from Marius, crying from fear, was a chilling, heart-wrenching moment that is vividly imprinted in my memory.
The attack initially stripped Marius of his cherished independence. His fear of walking alone lasted many weeks, overshadowing his once-loved activities like going to work, visiting GameStop, watching movies, and exploring Best Buy. Yet, with the steadfast support of our family, his colleagues at Whole Foods—where he has worked for 24 years—and the broader Boulder community, Marius has been gradually regaining his courage to venture out. However, he still harbors the fear inside him.
Despite his resilience, Marius confesses, "I won’t feel safe until he is in prison for a very, very, very long time," a statement that echoes in my mind daily. Witnessing Marius grapple with this trauma has been agonizing. It's hard to express the depth of pain in seeing someone you love suffer so profoundly.
Our family, along with the Boulder community, remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Marius through his recovery and fighting for the justice he deserves. Marius's journey, marked by remarkable strength amid unimaginable adversity, is a testament to his spirit. By sharing his story, I aim to raise awareness and advocate for victims of violent crimes, especially those most vulnerable.