Three charged in murder of homeless man

Denver authorities have charged three young men with first-degree murder in one of a series of brutal beating deaths of homeless men.<br><br>The five killings and several near-fatal beatings had sent a

Friday, November 12th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Denver authorities have charged three young men with first-degree murder in one of a series of brutal beating deaths of homeless men.

The five killings and several near-fatal beatings had sent a wave of a fear through the downtown area's large homeless
community.

Homeless men seeking a safe place to sleep have overwhelmed the Denver Rescue Mission. Mission officials say the arrests will make homeless people feel safer.

The three defendants -- ages 16, 18 and 20 -- are described by police as "mall rats."

The murder charges have been filed in the death of Melvin Washington, who was fatally beaten in September.