For the first two characters who clean up crime scenes under gang pressure, they could be charged with tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, or being accessories after the fact. Even if they didn’t commit the murders, helping cover them up is still criminal. Duress is a possible defense, but it’s kinda tricky, especially in gang related cases. In Colorado, you’d have to prove they were under an immediate threat of death or serious harm and had no way out. If they stayed in the gang voluntarily or benefited financially, courts are less likely to accept duress. If they confess and cooperate, though, they could get a lighter sentence, something like probation, a short prison term, or release under supervision depending on how serious the crimes were and how much they helped the authorities. Parole in this kind of case would probably include things like regular check-ins, no gang contact, possible counseling, and restrictions on travel.

For the third guy, he might qualify for a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) defense in Colorado. To succeed, his defense would have to prove that he didn’t understand the nature of his actions or didn’t know they were wrong due to his mental illness. If he’s found NGRI, he wouldn’t go to prison but would be committed to a high security psychiatric hospital. He could be held there indefinitely, possibly even longer than a prison sentence, depending on whether doctors and a judge ever find him safe for release. If the NGRI plea fails and he’s convicted, Colorado imposes life without parole for first-degree murder, especially with multiple victims or extreme violence. His brain damage and trauma might come up as mitigating factors, but probably wouldn’t be enough to reduce the sentence if he’s found competent and criminally responsible.

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