Man called 911 twice before roommate’s death, threatened to harm him, police say

DENVER — A man was arrested on a murder charge after his roommate died Friday night at a north Denver motel, the Denver Police Department said. 

Police said Dakota Lulei called 911 around 10:30 p.m. Friday to report an emergency medical situation and possible drug overdose at a motel on Vasquez Boulevard near the intersection of 52nd Avenue. First responders attempted lifesaving medical care, but the man died on the scene, police said. His name has not yet been released. 

Lulei, who is the victim’s roommate, was arrested Saturday in connection with the man’s death. He is being held on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault.

An autopsy was performed on the man Saturday. Police said the investigation found evidence that the man suffered injuries “consistent with significant trauma.” According to the probable cause statement for Lulei’s arrest, those injuries included bruising on the victim’s face and chest, as well as internal injuries that included a lacerated liver.

As police investigated, they found that Lulei had called 911 twice earlier that same evening. Lulei initially called 911 at 8 p.m. and was uncooperative and only provided a general location of where they were. He called a second time about 30 minutes later and expressed frustration with the victim and threatened to harm him, according to the PC statement.

Officers responded but were unable to make contact, the document says.

Detectives noted Lulei changed his story multiple times and withheld information from first responders at the scene, the PC statement says.  He later voluntarily spoke with investigators, but most of his statements are redacted from the PC statement.

Police said the victim and suspect were staying in the same room at the motel. 

The victim’s name and exact cause of death will be released at a later time by the Denver medical examiner’s office.