Fatal stabbing in Denver stemmed from argument over hot sauce bottle, police say

DENVER — A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder after a fatal stabbing Sunday in west Denver, according to police.

Denver Police identified the suspect as George Vigil and said he is accused of killing a man in a residence near West 23rd Avenue and North Federal Boulevard.

Officers responded to the scene about 5:21 p.m. Sunday and found a man with two “sharp force injuries,” according to the probable cause (PC) statement in the case. The victim was taken to Denver Health, where he was pronounced deceased.

A witness told police that the victim, who was known to the suspect, came to the residence on Sunday evening. He wanted to make a sandwich and asked where the hot sauce was. Vigil said the bottle was in his bedroom, and an argument broke out over the bottle of hot sauce, according to the PC statement.

The victim challenged Vigil to a fight and began to approach. Vigil swung an arm toward the victim’s side, the witness told police. The witness “knew that George Vigil often carried a switchblade type knife,” the PC statement says. The victim fell to the ground, bleeding.

The Denver Medical Examiner’s Office will release the identity of the victim.

Vigil had his first court appearance on Monday morning. No bond was allowed, according to police records.

The Denver District Attorney’s Office will make the final determination on charges.