Keenesburg crime spree suspect gets 48 years in prison

GREELEY -- A Keenesburg man was sentenced to 48 years in prison for crimes he committed almost two years ago.

A jury convicted Richard Norton of a slew of charges, including attempted first-degree murder, four counts of first-degree assault, first-degree arson and felony criminal mischief, in connection with a standoff with Weld County sheriff's deputies.

Norton stabbed an acquaintance, then set a building on fire north of Keenesburg. While firefighters handled the fire, deputies searched for Norton in nearby buildings. Court records said when four of the deputies entered one of the buildings, Norton fired a shot at them prompting the call for SWAT officers.

After an 11-hour standoff, Norton surrendered and was arrested.

Norton received credit for 613 days of time served. His other convictions included possession of explosive/incendiary device, attempted first-degree arson and three sentence enhancements. Two of the counts were the use of a weapon during a violent crime and the other was a violent crime causing death or serious bodily injury.