Colorado Springs Man Accused of Killing Wife Faces Delayed Hearing Due to Interpreter Needs
Stephen Chan, a man accused of murdering his wife, Jian Chan, in Colorado Springs this September, appeared in court on Monday. However, his preliminary hearing was postponed until January 13 to ensure Cantonese interpreters are available to assist with evidence presentation.
The alleged crime occurred in a neighborhood near Northgate Boulevard in the Gleneagle area. According to court documents, Chan reportedly surrendered to authorities shortly after the incident, walking into the Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) Falcon substation to confess.
CSPD Officer Jonathan Sharketti, who was on duty at the substation, testified on Monday. He recounted that Chan approached the desk and stated he wanted to turn himself in. Sharketti inspected Chan’s vehicle and observed what appeared to be a handgun inside.
Further testimony was provided by El Paso County Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Emily Russell-Kinsley, who conducted the autopsy on Jian Chan. Dr. Russell-Kinsley testified that the victim had been shot twice and showed evidence of strangulation.
She described the victim as having material around her mouth, her wrists, waist, and ankles bound with rope, and her body wrapped in a blanket covered with twig-like debris.
Monday’s session was intended as a preliminary hearing to determine if sufficient evidence exists to move forward with a trial. However, the session was adjourned because interpreters were required to translate two key videos into Cantonese for Chan.
These videos include body camera footage from an officer and an interview with Chan after his surrender. While interpreters participated in Monday’s hearing remotely, their in-person presence is necessary for the continuation of the hearing.
The rescheduled preliminary hearing is now set for January 13, allowing for proper interpretation services to be arranged.