Man pleads guilty to killing Topgolf coworker in Thornton parking lot

DENVER ( KDVR ) — A 26-year-old employee of the Thornton Topgolf pleaded guilty under a plea agreement on Thursday to shooting and killing his coworker in December 2023 .

Victor Salazar-Guarache, of Wheat Ridge, pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge and a second-degree attempted murder charge. The district attorney’s office dismissed three other charges and one sentence enhancement.

Under the agreement, Salazar-Guarache will be sentenced to a 48-year stipulated prison sentence. According to Casetext, a stipulated sentence is when the defendant and prosecution agree upon a stipulated sentence within the range provided by law, which the judge can then reject or accept.

The shooting took place on Dec. 23, 2023, at about 12:50 a.m. and killed Bryce Holden, 22, of Wheat Ridge. According to the Thornton Police Department, Salazar-Guarache and Holden worked together as dishwashers at the business.

An arrest affidavit showed that a kitchen manager had noticed Salazar-Guarache had punched out from work at 11:42 p.m., which preceded the end of his shift. The affidavit said after this Salazar-Guarache could be seen on surveillance video waiting in his car in the parking lot.

After the business closed, Holden and a third coworker left the building and walked through the parking lot toward Holden’s car. According to video and witness statements, Salazar-Guarache stepped out of his vehicle as Holden and the third coworker approached and fired at the pair.

Salazar-Guarache allegedly fired 12 rounds before re-entering his vehicle and fleeing the scene.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 11 for his official sentencing and according to court records, remains in police custody on a $2 million bond.

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