Justice Served, But at What Cost? The Case of Christian Glass
April 17, 2025, 4:31 am
In a world where justice often feels like a distant dream, the recent sentencing of former Clear Creek County sheriff’s deputy Andrew Buen has reignited the debate over law enforcement accountability. On April 14, 2025, Buen received a three-year prison sentence for the tragic killing of 22-year-old Christian Glass. This case is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health crises and the responsibilities of those sworn to protect.
Christian Glass called 911 on June 10, 2022, seeking help when his car became stuck on a rock in Clear Creek County. Instead of finding solace, he encountered a nightmare. Glass was in the throes of a mental health crisis, fueled by substances in his system. He expressed fears of “skinwalkers” and felt he was being chased. His call for help turned into a fatal encounter with law enforcement.
Seven officers responded to the scene, attempting to coax Glass out of his vehicle for over an hour. Their efforts were met with resistance. When Buen broke the window to pull Glass out, the situation escalated. Glass, in a panic, grabbed a knife. Officers responded with a Taser and beanbag rounds, but the chaos only intensified. In a split second, Buen fired five shots, ending Glass’s life.
The aftermath was devastating. A grand jury investigation later determined that Glass had committed no crime and acted in self-defense before his death. This revelation only deepened the wounds for his family, who have since struggled to cope with their loss. The emotional toll was palpable during the sentencing hearing. Simon Glass, Christian’s father, expressed the profound emptiness left by his son’s death. He described the memories of happier times now overshadowed by grief and pain.
Katie Glass, Christian’s sister, echoed this sentiment. She spoke of the anxiety and depression that have gripped her since that fateful night. The family’s anguish was evident as they recounted their struggles to find closure. They stood before the court, not just seeking justice, but also a sense of accountability for the actions that led to their son’s death.
Judge Catherine Cheroutes, presiding over the case, acknowledged the need for a sentence that would resonate with the community and serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with wearing a badge. She granted the maximum sentence of three years for the homicide charge and an additional 120 days for reckless endangerment, to be served concurrently. While the sentence was the maximum allowed, many felt it fell short of justice. Simon Glass articulated this sentiment, calling it a “terrible waste” of a young life.
Buen’s defense painted a picture of a man grappling with his own demons. During the hearing, he expressed remorse, stating that he wished he had acted differently that night. His family, too, testified to the toll the incident took on him. They described a once-kind man now burdened by guilt and sorrow. Yet, for the Glass family, these expressions of regret felt hollow. They viewed Buen’s grief as performative, a façade that could not mask the reality of their loss.
The case also highlighted systemic issues within law enforcement. Buen’s supervisor, former Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kyle Gould, was implicated in the incident. He had given Buen permission to break into Glass’s car and later pleaded guilty to failing to intervene in the excessive force used by another officer. This raises critical questions about the culture within police departments and the accountability of those in positions of authority.
As the dust settles on this tragic case, the broader implications are clear. The incident underscores the urgent need for better training in handling mental health crises. It reveals a system that often fails to protect the most vulnerable among us. The Glass family’s story is not just about one life lost; it is a reflection of a societal failure to address mental health and the responsibilities of law enforcement.
The $19 million settlement agreed upon by law enforcement agencies with the Glass family serves as a stark reminder of the financial costs of such tragedies. However, no amount of money can bring back Christian Glass or heal the wounds inflicted on his family. The settlement, while significant, cannot replace the years stolen from them.
In the end, the case of Christian Glass is a microcosm of a larger issue. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about mental health, law enforcement, and accountability. As we reflect on this tragedy, we must ask ourselves: how can we ensure that those who call for help receive the compassion and care they deserve? How can we hold those in power accountable for their actions?
Justice may have been served in this case, but the scars remain. The road to healing is long, and for the Glass family, it is a journey marked by loss and heartache. As we move forward, let us strive for a future where such tragedies become a thing of the past, where every call for help is met with understanding, not violence.
Christian Glass called 911 on June 10, 2022, seeking help when his car became stuck on a rock in Clear Creek County. Instead of finding solace, he encountered a nightmare. Glass was in the throes of a mental health crisis, fueled by substances in his system. He expressed fears of “skinwalkers” and felt he was being chased. His call for help turned into a fatal encounter with law enforcement.
Seven officers responded to the scene, attempting to coax Glass out of his vehicle for over an hour. Their efforts were met with resistance. When Buen broke the window to pull Glass out, the situation escalated. Glass, in a panic, grabbed a knife. Officers responded with a Taser and beanbag rounds, but the chaos only intensified. In a split second, Buen fired five shots, ending Glass’s life.
The aftermath was devastating. A grand jury investigation later determined that Glass had committed no crime and acted in self-defense before his death. This revelation only deepened the wounds for his family, who have since struggled to cope with their loss. The emotional toll was palpable during the sentencing hearing. Simon Glass, Christian’s father, expressed the profound emptiness left by his son’s death. He described the memories of happier times now overshadowed by grief and pain.
Katie Glass, Christian’s sister, echoed this sentiment. She spoke of the anxiety and depression that have gripped her since that fateful night. The family’s anguish was evident as they recounted their struggles to find closure. They stood before the court, not just seeking justice, but also a sense of accountability for the actions that led to their son’s death.
Judge Catherine Cheroutes, presiding over the case, acknowledged the need for a sentence that would resonate with the community and serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with wearing a badge. She granted the maximum sentence of three years for the homicide charge and an additional 120 days for reckless endangerment, to be served concurrently. While the sentence was the maximum allowed, many felt it fell short of justice. Simon Glass articulated this sentiment, calling it a “terrible waste” of a young life.
Buen’s defense painted a picture of a man grappling with his own demons. During the hearing, he expressed remorse, stating that he wished he had acted differently that night. His family, too, testified to the toll the incident took on him. They described a once-kind man now burdened by guilt and sorrow. Yet, for the Glass family, these expressions of regret felt hollow. They viewed Buen’s grief as performative, a façade that could not mask the reality of their loss.
The case also highlighted systemic issues within law enforcement. Buen’s supervisor, former Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kyle Gould, was implicated in the incident. He had given Buen permission to break into Glass’s car and later pleaded guilty to failing to intervene in the excessive force used by another officer. This raises critical questions about the culture within police departments and the accountability of those in positions of authority.
As the dust settles on this tragic case, the broader implications are clear. The incident underscores the urgent need for better training in handling mental health crises. It reveals a system that often fails to protect the most vulnerable among us. The Glass family’s story is not just about one life lost; it is a reflection of a societal failure to address mental health and the responsibilities of law enforcement.
The $19 million settlement agreed upon by law enforcement agencies with the Glass family serves as a stark reminder of the financial costs of such tragedies. However, no amount of money can bring back Christian Glass or heal the wounds inflicted on his family. The settlement, while significant, cannot replace the years stolen from them.
In the end, the case of Christian Glass is a microcosm of a larger issue. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about mental health, law enforcement, and accountability. As we reflect on this tragedy, we must ask ourselves: how can we ensure that those who call for help receive the compassion and care they deserve? How can we hold those in power accountable for their actions?
Justice may have been served in this case, but the scars remain. The road to healing is long, and for the Glass family, it is a journey marked by loss and heartache. As we move forward, let us strive for a future where such tragedies become a thing of the past, where every call for help is met with understanding, not violence.