The Entitled Not-So-Grown-Up Grown-Ups: The emotional vampires, sucking the energy out of everyone around them
- Travis Uresk
- Aug 31
- 22 min read
Updated: Sep 8
| Travis Uresk | |August 31st, 2025 |
Entitlement Is like being in a secret club that nobody wants to admit they're part of, yet it somehow keeps growing its membership. From boardrooms to bedrooms, childish behavior is popping up everywhere, leaving a trail of bewildered onlookers in its wake.
The rise of social media has created a perfect storm for the growth of entitlement. Platforms designed to showcase life highlights create unrealistic expectations about what we should have or experience.
Every like, share, and comment gives us a hit of dopamine – the brain's reward chemical. This instant gratification trains our brains to expect immediate rewards with minimal effort. Over time, this digital conditioning can spill into real-world expectations.
The tendency to compare ourselves to carefully curated online personas creates a distorted sense of what's normal. When we see influencers receiving free products, VIP treatment, and seemingly perfect lives, we might wonder: "Why not me?"
A 2023 study found that adolescents who spend more than five hours daily on social media scored 40% higher on entitlement scales than those with limited social media use. This correlation doesn't prove causation, but the connection is concerning.
To combat social media's entitlement effect, try these approaches:
Schedule regular digital detoxes
Follow accounts that showcase real life, including struggles
Remind yourself that most social media represents highlights, not reality
Practice gratitude for what you have rather than focusing on what's missing
Our consumer culture bombards us with messages that we "deserve" luxury, convenience, and special treatment simply for existing. Marketing slogans like "Because You're Worth It" and "You Deserve a Break Today" may sound affirming, but they subtly perpetuate entitlement culture.
One of the most concerning trends related to entitlement is the documented decline in empathy over recent decades. Multiple studies have shown that average empathy scores have dropped significantly, particularly since 2000.
When we can't imagine life from another person's perspective, we're more likely to prioritize our own needs exclusively. This empathy deficit makes it difficult to understand why our demands might burden others or why rules that inconvenience us serve a greater purpose.
Emotional intelligence – including empathy skills – serves as a natural barrier against entitlement. People with higher emotional intelligence typically demonstrate lower entitlement levels because they can better understand the impact of their behavior on others.
It was observed during volunteering at a community event. Two volunteers had been assigned to clean-up duty – generally considered the least desirable task. Jane complained loudly that she "deserved" a better role and refused to help, creating more work for others. Meanwhile, Miguel approached the same task by considering how his contribution would help the entire event run more smoothly. Same situation, but vastly different responses based on empathy levels.
To develop greater empathy:
1-Practice active listening without planning your response
2-Read fiction, which research shows increases empathy
3-Volunteer with diverse populations
4-Ask questions about others' experiences and feelings
5-Try "perspective-taking" exercises where you imagine life from someone else's viewpoint.
Surprisingly, entitlement often masks deep insecurity. The connection between entitlement and insecurity creates what psychologists call a paradoxical relationship – entitled behavior attempts to compensate for feelings of not being enough.
When someone fears being overlooked, dismissed, or found inadequate, demanding special treatment can serve as a psychological defense mechanism. By insisting on preferential treatment, the individual creates external validation to counteract internal doubts.
Research in personal validation shows that people with fragile self-esteem often oscillate between feelings of superiority and inferiority. Their entitled demands serve as attempts to reinforce their importance when they feel threatened.
Consider how often entitled behavior emerges when someone feels vulnerable. The customer who angrily demands to "speak to the manager" over a minor issue may actually be experiencing stress in other life areas where they feel powerless. The entitled demand temporarily restores a sense of control.
Addressing the underlying insecurities through self-compassion, therapy, and genuine achievement often reduces entitled behavior more effectively than directly confronting the entitlement itself.
Modern life has dramatically reduced our need to wait for almost anything. With one-click shopping, on-demand entertainment, and instant information access, we rarely practice the skill of delayed gratification.
This constant instant gratification weakens our frustration tolerance – the ability to handle disappointment and delays gracefully. When everything comes easily and quickly, we develop unrealistic expectations about how life should work.
Studies on reward systems show that variable reinforcement (sometimes getting what you want, sometimes not) builds resilience. Always getting what you want – or never getting it – creates psychological problems. Unfortunately, modern convenience has eliminated much of the natural variability that builds healthy expectations.
Consider how rideshare apps have changed our relationship with transportation. Instead of waiting for scheduled buses or struggling to find taxis, we can summon rides instantly. This convenience is wonderful, but it also conditions us to expect immediate service in all areas of life.
To build stronger frustration tolerance:
Practice purposeful waiting (avoid the express line sometimes)
Set personal goals that require sustained effort
Learn skills that demand practice and patience
Notice and manage your reactions when things don't come easily
Celebrate the process of achievement, not just results
Before we can address entitlement, we must recognize it. Here are key indicators that entitlement might be present:
In yourself:
Feeling regularly angry when things don't go your way
Believing rules should apply to others but not you
Difficulty feeling genuine gratitude
Frequently thinking "I deserve better" without examining why
Resenting having to prove your value or earn opportunities
In others:
Consistently disregarding boundaries
Expressing shock or outrage when not given special treatment
Using phrases like "Do you know who I am?"
Taking resources or opportunities without considering others
Refusing to wait their turn or follow procedures
The line between healthy self-advocacy and entitlement can sometimes blur. The key difference is that self-advocacy recognizes equal rights for all, while entitlement demands special treatment. Self-advocacy works within fair systems; entitlement tries to circumvent them.
Breaking the Entitlement Cycle: Practical Strategies
If you've recognized entitlement patterns in yourself or want to help
Others overcome them; these evidence-based approaches can help.
Developing Gratitude and Perspective
Gratitude practices consistently show effectiveness in reducing entitlement. When we regularly acknowledge what we've received (rather than focusing on what we lack), our perspective shifts dramatically.
Research from positive psychology demonstrates that people who maintain gratitude journals show significantly lower entitlement scores after just four weeks of regular practice. By acknowledging the contributions of others and the elements of good fortune in our lives, we naturally develop more realistic expectations.
Personal responsibility forms another powerful antidote to entitlement. When we fully own our choices, both successes and failures, we understand the connection between our actions and outcomes. This realistic view naturally counters entitled thinking.
Try these specific strategies:
Keep a daily gratitude journal
Practice saying "thank you" with specific appreciation
Volunteer with those less fortunate
Accept consequences without blaming others
Set goals based on effort rather than outcomes
Celebrate progress and small wins
Practice realistic self-assessment
Why should we care? For starters, it’s not exactly a recipe for success in life. Imagine trying to navigate complex relationships, demanding careers, or even simple everyday tasks while your emotional maturity is stuck in the sandbox. It’s like trying to play chess with checkers pieces – frustrating and confusing.
What does childish behavior in adults actually look like?
First stop: emotional outbursts and tantrums. We're talking full-blown, foot-stomping, tear-streaming meltdowns – except instead of happening in a toy store, they're erupting in the middle of important meetings, romantic dinners, and in church.
Next, there is the classic “It wasn't me!" syndrome, otherwise known as the inability to accept responsibility. These folks could teach a masterclass in finger-pointing and excuse-making. They're the Houdinis of accountability, always managing to wriggle out of taking responsibility for their actions.
Then there are the attention-seekers and the neediness ninjas. These are the people who can’t seem to function without constant validation and praise. They’re like emotional vampires, sucking the energy out of everyone around them in their quest for attention.
And our friends who often struggle with poor impulse control. They're the ones who make snap decisions faster than you can say "bad idea," leaving a trail of regrettable purchases and ill-advised social media posts in their wake.
Last but not least, we have the “sharing is not caring” crowd. These folks struggle with compromise and sharing, treating every interaction like a winner-takes-all competition. It’s as if they never quite grasped the concept of “playing nice” in kindergarten.
How on earth does this happen?
According to an article from Neurlaunch.com, one potential culprit is developmental delays or arrested development. Sometimes, life throws curveballs that can stunt emotional growth, leaving individuals stuck at earlier stages of development. It’s like their emotional maturity got lost in the mail somewhere between adolescence and adulthood.
Childhood trauma or neglect can also play a significant role. These experiences can leave deep scars that manifest as childish behaviors later in life. It’s as if the mind is trying to reclaim the childhood it never had, albeit in less-than-healthy ways.
Then there’s the impact of family dynamics. If you grew up in a household where childish behavior was the norm, you might have inadvertently picked up these patterns. It’s like inheriting a questionable fashion sense from your parents – except instead of bell-bottoms, you’re sporting tantrums and neediness.
Mental health disorders can also contribute to childish behavior. Conditions like behavioral disorders in adults or personality disorders can sometimes manifest in ways that appear immature or childlike.
Lastly, we can’t ignore the role of substance abuse and addiction. These issues can severely impact judgment and emotional regulation, often resulting in behaviors that seem childish or impulsive.
You might be thinking, “So what if I throw the occasional tantrum or struggle to share? It’s not hurting anyone, right?” Wrong. Childish behavior in adults can have far-reaching consequences that ripple through every aspect of life.
Let’s start with personal relationships. Imagine trying to maintain a healthy partnership when you’re constantly seeking attention or unable to compromise. It’s like trying to build a sandcastle during high tide – frustrating and ultimately doomed to failure. Petulant behavior can strain even the strongest bonds, leaving partners feeling more like babysitters than equals.
In the professional realm, childish behavior can be career kryptonite. Picture a workplace where tantrums are thrown over missed deadlines, or where blame is constantly shifted onto others. It's not exactly a recipe for climbing the corporate ladder. These behaviors can lead to missed opportunities, damaged reputations, and, in some cases, unemployment.
But the impacts aren’t just external. Childish behavior can take a serious toll on self-esteem and self-confidence. It’s hard to feel good about yourself when you’re constantly acting in ways that you know are immature. This can create a vicious cycle of negative self-talk and further regression into childish patterns.
Adults who lack maturity will have little control over their emotions and overreact in much the same way as a small child. Have you ever seen a child screaming and crying in a supermarket because they couldn’t choose a product from the shelf? That is a primary example of immaturity.
Children, of course, are not expected to be emotionally mature. They need time and guidance to learn how to process and express their feelings. Immature adults have never learned this, and so can lash out, act out of proportion with the situation, or become overwhelmingly emotional.
This sign of an immature adult often stems from a cushioned childhood or having a condition that makes them unable to get in touch with their feelings.
Immature adults often are most easily identified by their lack of respect for finances and possessions – whether their own or somebody else’s. This stems from the nature of children who don’t yet understand the value or worth of things since they are reliant on a parent or guardian to provide for them.
Most adults learn this value very quickly, and in particular when joining the workforce and learning to equate money and possessions with their income. However, an immature adult has never learned to respect their finances and can be very irresponsible and fickle with money.
One of the common behaviors of immature people is innate selfishness. They may find it difficult to relate to or empathize with others, and may, therefore, struggle to maintain healthy relationships of any kind.
This behavior echoes a small child who exists within their world and hasn’t yet learned to empathize. An adult who lacks maturity will be unable to consider anything from the perspective of another person. They will only have an interest in fulfilling their desires.
For this reason, immature adults are often untrustworthy and prone to lying, as with children. This is less likely to be malicious and more likely to be a product of their selfish nature. It means that they simply cannot accept responsibility for their actions or perceive the equal value of others.
An immature adult usually tends not to have a filter. This is a key trait that is identifiable within children who often need parents to explain cultural norms. For example, discussing other people loudly in a queue or asking potentially hurtful questions in innocence.
This trait can often be seen on social media and reflects the emotional immaturity of an adult who needs to feel validated by the opinions of others. Perhaps less obvious than some of the other behaviors of immature adults, oversharing and not being able to pursue their own goals without external validation are key traits.
Small children and even teenagers often crave attention and want to hold the spotlight. This behavior is often observed in immature adults, who prioritize attention at all costs and will frequently upstage others to ensure they receive it.
A sign of this trait could be an adult who creates unnecessary drama at a celebratory event that is not being held for them. Or it could be a friend who discusses problems at every opportunity without giving thought to whether it is appropriate.
This can be a sign of an immature adult who has always felt the need to compete for attention. It can also be a sign of an adult who has always been the center of attention throughout their upbringing. Thus, he or she has not developed the maturity to share the spotlight from time to time.
We all know that relationships of any nature need equal effort to sustain them. Immature adults are often single or change romantic partners regularly. They are also likely to have few friends, as they struggle to commit to others, show empathy, or understand the priorities and perspectives of those around them.
An immature adult may either have few people close to them or only be close to family members who likely continue to treat them as a child.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing immature individuals. But the best course of action is never to support their poor behavior. This will only reinforce their conditioned emotional responses and support this continuing.
Murder
I am not sure what year this incident took place, but a man named Hanme Kim Clark and his girlfriend Nancy Medina Cochis arrived in a small mountain town in Colorado. They conducted research and found an elderly single lady living alone in a cabin North of Westcliffe.
The couple told the lady they would pay for everything, and she could stay there. Soon after that, Hanme and Nancy ran the woman off her property at gunpoint and stole her land and home.
They started a so-called nonprofit organization called Herbal Garden Wellness, where they claim they would teach Native American children and adults all kinds of different things while claiming they were Native American. Hanme was born in South Korea. His father is Caucasian, and his mother is Korean. Nancy is Hispanic, according to their court documents.
Hanme stated he was born in Korea when he was arrested in New Mexico after fleeing Colorado after murdering three people and wounding another. The video of the arrest will be below.
On 11/20/23, around noon, Hanme jumped a fence onto another property, walked out of the trees, and shot and killed an elderly couple, Rob, 63, and Beth Geer, 73, and then shot my aunt Patty Daulton, 56, hitting her in the chin and chest, barely missing her heart by centimeters. Hanme then chased a surveyor, shooting at him before shooting my uncle James Daulton, 58, multiple times in the arms, back, head, and face. Hanme then reloaded his weapon, went back to where the three bodies were lying, and shot Beth 5 more times in the face.
Hanme moved the bodies looking for a cellphone Rob had in his hands possibly recording the incident, and tossing Rob onto Patty's legs fleeing the scene leaving evidence behind.
My aunt pretended to play dead until all the gunfire stopped and knew Hanme wasn't in the area to call 911. The call lasted 34 minutes. I heard the first 6 minutes of it. Heartbreaking and heroic at the same time.
She was loaded into the coroners truck, drove to a safe location to a life flight helicopter to Pueblo. Then to a trauma center in Colorado Springs.
We recieved the call around 7 pm and drove all night to the hospital in Colorado Springs. We only knew Jim had died, and Patty was in the hospital with a bullet wound and was possibly going into surgery. We had no idea if she was going to live or not. Colorado snowy mountain roads are no fun in the middle of the night when you are in a hurry and scared.
We arrived at the hospital at 5 am and found out they couldn't do surgery because the bullet was to close to her heart. She had a broken shoulder blade, punctured lung, a broken collar bone, and a bullet wound gash down her chin.
An open grave was found on a neighbor's property, along with a shovel and a bag of lime, near the Clark residence. Hanme claimed the Geers' driveway was on his property. Rob Geer hired a surveyor to come out and survey his land to determine the property lines. When it was completed, at the top of the driveway, one foot of the driveway was on the Clarks' property.
Jim and Patty were helping Rob and Beth build a new fence to correct the error when Hanme walked out of the trees and shot all of them. All over 1 foot of property. They have already been to Court twice, and Hanme and Nancy lost. They took it into their own hands because they were entitled to take the Geers' property, and the property they were on, from stealing it from an elderly lady at gunpoint.
The Oak Creek Grade Tragedy: Multiple Deaths Over an Easement Dispute
by George Gramlich
11/29/23
How the tragedy of November 20, 2023, came about will take time to figure out fully, but the fact that three people were killed and one gravely wounded over an easement/property lines dispute is a sobering statement on the state of our society today. This occurred in an extremely rural, mountainous area of Custer County, where there is ample room for all residents.
The Sentinel has obtained the Arrest Warrant for the alleged killer, Hanme K. Clark, 45 years old. It is reproduced below. It illustrates a long-standing dispute between some neighbors on Rocky Ridge Road, located off Oak Creek Grade (CR 255), near the eight-mile marker. The dispute appears to have finally sent the alleged killer over the edge, resulting in the attack.
Our prayers for all involved. The deceased were Rob and Beth Geer and James Daulton. The wounded person was Patty Daulton. All were neighbors of the alleged killer. Mrs. Daulton is in a hospital in Colorado Springs. She is expected to survive.
The alleged killer, with his girlfriend, Nancy Medina Cochis, was captured in New Mexico the day after the shooting. Cochis was arrested as an accessory.
The property Clark and Cochis live on is owned by a nonprofit corporation called Herbal Gardens Wellness, which, according to its website, provides therapy to people suffering from PTSD.
Herbal Gardens Wellness filed a lawsuit in 2020 against several neighbors, alleging that the neighbors did not have the right to use an easement over Herbal Gardens' property that was established in 2016. There were allegations that the neighbors were harassing Clark and Cochis because they are Native Americans.
It was alleged that Herbal Wellness put locked gates at the entrances to the easement. (It appears that the easement is simply a "shortcut" to get to particular neighbors' properties on Rocky Ridge. There is a subdivision road that is the normal access path for all properties.) Herbal Gardens lost the lawsuit, with the judge ruling that the easement was valid. The Court ordered Herbal Gardens to pay the neighbors around $9,000.
An "armed trespass complaint" was filed by the Geers on November 11, 2023.
The Custer County Sheriff's Office has sent deputies to the property multiple times with regard to the easement, property lines, and trespassing issues.
The Initial Contact
Upon receiving the 911 call, Sheriff Rich Smith and Sergeant Jason Sabalto were on duty at the Custer County Sheriff's Office. Also hearing the 911 call, Custer County Coroner Brad Baltzly volunteered to assist (along with the Assistant Coroner, Nikita Phillips). (Note that in Colorado, the Coroner is considered the 2nd highest LEO in the county.
The Assistant Coroner is also considered LEO.) Sheriff Smith also requested assistance from Fremont County and the Colorado State Patrol. All off-duty Custer County deputies were told to come. ( And all did. Except for one on vacation.)
Smith, Sabalto, Baltzly, and Phillips were the first on the scene. The four stopped at the intersection of CR 255 and Silver Circle and prepared themselves (with rifles, body armor, etc.). They then drove a short distance down Rocky Ridge Road and dismounted.
They then tactically proceeded down the road and entered the first "road" on their right, which was the driveway of the Geers. After a short approach, they observed the bodies and the living Mrs Daulton. Not knowing if the shooter was still in the area, they covered their actions with their weapons. Mrs. Daulton had recovered, was placed on a stretcher, and the whole team retreated back up the driveway and then to the road. EMS was there with ambulances.
The Fremont County SWAT team (and other LEOs) then proceeded to search the area for the shooter. This took a long time. It was extremely cold. It was dark (around 8 p.m.) when the search was completed.
Kudos to the Custer County Sheriff's Office's Sheriff Smith and Sergeant Sabalto, and especially to our Coroner Brad Baltzly and Assistant Coroner Nikita Phillips for their bravery in entering an active shooter scenario with no backup at the time. (It was a very, very brave thing to do. Thanks from all of us.)
(Unconfirmed sources indicate that the weapon used by the killer was a pistol.)
Below is the body of the Arrest Warrant. Note that the Warrant spells the Geers' last name wrong.
The Custer County Sheriff's Office, November 20, 2023, Arrest Warrant for Hanme Clark:
The following Affidavit is submitted to the Court to document the probable cause in support of a request for the issuance of an Arrest Warrant for: Hanme Kim Clark, DOB: 10/28/1978
This offense is fully documented in CCSO Case# 23-0681 detailing the offense(s) of:
§ 18-3-102 Murder in the first degree x 3, F1
§ 18-2-101 Criminal attempt
§ 18-3-102 Attempted Murder in the first degree, F2
§ 18-3-202 (1)(a) Assault in the first degree, F3
With the victim(s) identified as: Patty Daulton, D.O.B: 3.7.1967
3 Other adult victims pending identification.Your affiant is Detective Sergeant Robinson, Elizabeth, with the Custer County Sheriff's Office and currently assigned to the Patrol and Investigations Division, and has served in that capacity since 2023. I do hereby state under oath that I have personal knowledge of the following facts:On November 20, 2023, at approximately 1300 hours, FreCom Dispatch (FreCom) received a 911 call with the reporting party, later identified as Patty Daulton of 415 Rocky Ridge Rd, Westcliffe, CO, stating that four people had been shot. The suspect was approximately 6 feet tall, wore glasses, and had black hair. Dispatch could hear shots being fired during the 911 call. RP stated she thought her husband was dead, in addition to two other people. Mrs. Daulton was evacuated from the scene, which was determined to be in the area of 173 Rocky Ridge Rd, adjacent to 165 Rocky Ridge Rd, Westcliffe, CO, and taken to the Parkview Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado.
Your affiant was able to speak with a surveyor, William Dechaver (DOB 10-29- 1974), who was on scene when the shooting occurred. William explained that he was assisting with the surveying of an address in the area he believed to be Lot 33a when the shooting began. He was unsure of the address and stated that the paperwork to confirm it was in his truck, which is still on scene.
William went on to state that he was with the homeowner, Robert Greer (possible spelling). A male approached them, yelling about trespassing. Robert called the male Hamne by name, and William believed Robert to be recording a video of the interaction as the shooting commenced. William described Hamne as wearing what he believed to be a forest green shirt and pants, and possibly a forest green vest or jacket. William explained that when Hanme started shooting, he turned around and ran eastbound for approximately a half mile, getting to a neighbor's house, whom he did not know. William described the home as having four sisters who lived there, who allowed him to use the phone, and
Call 911.
William stated that he knew the neighbor, although not by name, who lived directly west of the property he was working on. It should be noted that your affiant knows that Hanme Clark (DOB 10-28-1978) resides at 165 Rocky Ridge Rd, Westcliffe Rd, and has recently been involved in numerous neighbor disputes over property line issues.
Your affiant is aware that there have been numerous previous property disputes with Herbal Gardens & Wellness (165 Rocky Ridge Rd), which is the property adjacent to the scene of the incident. In CCSO case 23-0643, reported on November 17, 2023, an armed trespass complaint was called in by Robert Greer (DOB: 08-12-1960) at 173 Rocky Ridge Rd, which occurred on November 16, 2023.
Mr. Greer sent pictures from a covert camera he had placed on his property to Sheriff Smith, showing a male in hunting gear with his face covered and
carrying a rifle. Mr. Greer was adamant that the male in the photos was Hanme Clark. Mr. Greer complained that it was the 4th time Hanme had trespassed on his property. He also claimed that Hanme and Nancy (LKU) had decided to target him and his wife with harassment and trespassing, and showed concern about a weapon being involved.Your affiant was informed that Sheriff Lloyd Smith, a certified EMT, along with Coroner Brad Baltzly, arrived at the location where the descendants were earlier in the day. Visible confirmation was made that the parties were, in fact, deceased. The top photo in the search warrant appears to be a male. In the bottom photo, the person in the green jacket and jeans appears to be a female, and the third person appears to be a male.
Photos were taken as represented below, along with their approximate locations, as indicated on Evidence.com. Due to the suspect house being uphill and having a direct line of sight, the decision to vacate the area was made due to officer safety concerns.
Your affiant was made aware that at approximately 2120 hours, Agent Garcia spoke with Salida Police Department (SPD) Officer Dakoda Defurio. Officer Defurio advised that he was made aware of a License Plate Reader (LPR) alert on a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Colorado plate BHLK27 at approximately 1510 hours near the south entrance of the Salida Walmart Store.
An attempt to locate was placed on the vehicle earlier as it was registered to Hanme Clark. Officer Defurio contacted Walmart security staff and was able to view surveillance video. The truck was parked in the parking lot, and a female who was unmasked entered the store. Walmart employees at the time of this are still working on tracking down the receipt for the purchase made by the female. Officer Defurio explains that it appears she purchased pillows and possibly some cold-weather clothing.The female can be seen returning to the vehicle in the parking lot and appears to be communicating with someone in the vehicle out of view, while loading the purchases into the vehicle. The female then returns into the store this time wearing a mask on her face, in what appears to be an attempt to disguise her identity.
What appears to be a male who cannot be identified exits the vehicle with a dog, walks around the vehicle briefly, and then re-enters the vehicle. The female is seen returning to the vehicle and entering the passenger seat of the truck, which then shortly after, at approximately 1559 hours, exits the parking lot traveling south. The truck is observed traveling southbound on County Road 111.
On 11.20.23, Your Affiant reviewed body camera footage recorded by Deputy Thurston's body camera of a civil call in the area of 165 Rocky Ridge Road from 11.19.2023. The footage was a conversation with Nancy Medina-Kochis (DOB 01/02/1973) of 13078 Zuni Rd, Hartsel, Colorado, who is the suspected girlfriend of Hanme Clark and a possible resident at the 165 Rocky Ridge Road residence.
Nancy spoke with Deputy Thurston and seemed to be versed on the ongoing property line dispute.
After reviewing the body camera footage and the surveillance footage from Walmart in Salida, it appears that the female in both recordings is the same person, wearing the same clothing.
On November 20, 2023, your affiant authored and was granted a search warrant for 165 Rocky Ridge Road. At approximately 2001 hours, CCSO Deputies executed the search warrant in search of Hanme Clark. Neither Hanme nor any individuals were located in the residence. The aforementioned Dodge Ram was not located on the property. The decision was made to hold the residence and further process it for evidence in the morning.
I would respectfully request that probable cause be found that Hanme Kim Clark, DOB: 10/28/1978, did within the County of Custer and State of Colorado, commit in violation of the Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, the offense(s) of:
§ 18-3-102 Murder in the first degree x 3
§ 18-2-101 Criminal attempt
§ 18-3-102 Attempted Murder in the first degree
§ 18-3-202 (1)(a) Assault in the first degree
/s/ Det. Sgt. Elizabeth Robinson Applicant: Det Sgt Robinson, Elizabeth
Sworn and subscribed before me by telephone, November 20, 2023.
Mass Shooting on Oak Creek Grade, Suspect(s) detained, awaiting extradition
by George Gramlich November 22, 2023
Three people were shot to death and one gravely wounded on Monday, November 20, 2023, on Rocky Ridge Road, a private road on the west side of County Road 255 (Oak Creek Grade). Rocky Ridge Road is accessed off of Silver Circle, which adjoins Oak Creek Grade at around the 8-mile marker.
Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith gave a press briefing outside the Sheriff's Office at noon on Tuesday, November 21. The Sheriff stated that they received a 911 call around noon on the 20th that shots were fired on Rocky Ridge Road. Smith stated that two deputies and Custer County Coroner Brad Baltzly responded. The deputies treated the scene as a "high-risk entry". After a brief survey, assistance was requested, and the entire CCSO deputy roster was called out.
The Fremont County SWAT team was requested. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado State Police were also summoned.
Three deceased and one severely wounded person were found. The deceased were from two neighboring families. One person was able to flee the scene unharmed and gave the deputies information on the suspect, Hanme K. Clark, who lived at the Rocky Ridge address along with his wife. A massive search of the area then ensued.
The suspect was not found. The SO then focused on the suspect's house and waited until they had obtained a warrant to enter and search the property. CBI assisted with the warrant request. The suspect was not in the house.
Smith noted that the shooting occurred in a wooded area near a “gravel road” and not on the suspect’s property.
Sheriff Smith said that there had been an ongoing property dispute between the suspect and the two neighbors. There was also a lawsuit in 2021 concerning the dispute.
(APPARENTLY THE NEIGHBORS WERE TRAVERSING THE SUSPECT'S PROPERTY TO GET TO THEIR OWN PROPERTIES VIA AN ALLEGED EASEMENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE AT THE CORE OF THE PROBLEM.)
During the search, drones, night vision, and thermal imaging were employed.
Help from the U.S. Marshals was requested.
Sheriff Smith said that the suspect probably left the property before the deputies initially arrived.
An all clear was announced at 8 p.m. Monday night.
The crime scene was being processed by the CCSO, the CC Coroner, and CBI.
The U.S. Marshals employed aerial assets traversing the crime scene up to Salida. The Sheriff said that they had a good tip on the whereabouts of the suspect. They believe he is in the Route 50 area around Poncha Springs. LEOs from various jurisdictions are searching the area.
Smith said there is a warrant out for the arrest of Clark for three counts of first-degree murder.
At the press conference, one news outlet said it was believed the suspect and his wife were Native Americans and asked if that was part of the dispute, ie, discrimination. Smith said he could not comment on that.
Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis is charged with accessory to a crime, pending the continuing investigation into the November 20, 2023, triple homicide in Westcliffe, CO. She and shooting suspect Hanme K. Clark are being held in New Mexico while awaiting extradition to Colorado.
Entitled people getting arrested
