Family still seeks justice a year after double homicide at Denver restaurant

DENVER (KDVR) — This week marks one year since two employees were killed inside a Denver restaurant.

Emerall Vaughn-Dahler and Ignacio Gutierrez Morales were shot inside American Elm in West Highlands. So far, no arrests have been made.

For Thom and Debbie Dahler, their daughter-in-law, Emerall, is always with them.

“We think about it every day and talk about her every day,” Debbie said.

The two walk by her picture every day in their dining room.

“She was the daughter we never had,” Thom said.

Now, it’s been nearly a year later since she was taken and there are still no answers.

“It’s kind of disheartening that it could go on, but I suppose at some point, you have to accept the fact. But at this point, we’re still hopeful,” Debbie said.

It’s been a journey full of grief and growth for Emerall’s husband, Andrew Dahler.

“I try to find these positive spins of what this past year has been and I can definitely communicate my feelings and communicate a lot more stuff than I had in the past,” Andrew said.

Andrew said he focuses on the good times.

“Everything in my daily life revolves around remembering her. She was my person. She is still my person and there’s nothing that’s going to change that,” Andrew said.

Over $32K reward offered in Denver double homicide

Andrew said he hopes this week brings others together to remember and never forget.

“She was always a giver,” Andrew said. “She was always trying to help out, so if there’s anything I could have people do for her this week that would honor her is go out and do something nice for someone.”

Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $32,600 for information. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 720-913-7867 (STOP).

Fundraiser for gun violence prevention

A representative for American Elm said Tuesday that the restaurant is hosting a monthlong fundraiser “to honor the beautiful lives of Emerall Vaughn-Dahler and Ignacio Gutierrez Morales that were taken too soon.”

From April 24 to May 24, American Elm will donate a percentage of all food and beverage sales to Colorado-based gun violence prevention nonprofits.

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