Preliminary hearing: Denver man allegedly fired 24 shots, killing woman, in argument over dog waste

DENVER (KDVR) -- Denver Police say Michael Close fired at least 24 shots from a high powered semi-automatic rifle, killing 21-year-old Isabella Thallas on June 10 in the Ballpark neighborhood.

That was one of many new details released at Close's preliminary hearing Monday morning. Denver Judge Lisa Teesch-Maguire found probable cause to bound Close over for trial on 15 counts, including first-degree murder.

Close is accused of shooting both Thallas and her boyfriend 27-year old Darian Simon, who was shot twice in his legs but survived.

Denver Police Homicide Detective Joseph Trujillo testified the shooting followed an exchange of angry words between Close and Simon after Simon's dog defecated in a rock garden outside Close's apartment complex at 3001 Fox St.

Simon and Thallas were walking their dog around 11:40 a.m. when Close opened his window and allegedly yelled “Are you going to train that f---ing dog or just yell at it?”

Prosecutors played neighborhood surveillance video in court that showed Close opening his blinds and pointing a high-powered rifle at the couple as Simon bent down to pick up his dog's poop. Moments later Close can be seen firing 24 rounds at the couple, killing Thallas almost instantly.

Judge Teesch-Maguire ordered Close to continue to be held without bond and set his arraignment for Jan. 4.

Close faces charges for two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, nine counts of using a prohibited high-capacity magazine during a crime, two counts of prohibited use of a firearm and one count of disorderly conduct. He also faces four sentence enhancers for violent crime.