Questions remain in Pinkus slaying

Bailey

Bassett

Harper

AURORA | Even with the arrest of two more people in connection with the slaying last month of a 51-year-old man at the Crestwood Suites Hotel, the bizarre case remains rife with unanswered questions. 

Police said yesterday that they have arrested Robert Harper, 18, of Denver, and Maliek Bailey, 35, of Denver, and both have both been charged with first-degree murder and robbery.

The charges stem from the Oct. 15 slaying of Michael Pinkus, 51, who was found dead at the Crestwood Suites Hotel.

Police arrested Steven Wayne Bassett, 27, of Denver, the night of Pinkus’ death. 

All three are being held without bond at the Arapahoe County Jail. 

The arrest affidavits, which detail some of the evidence against them, against the three have been sealed. 

Bailey and Harper have not yet been formally charged in connection with Pinkus’ death, according to records. 

But if Bassett’s case is any indication — he faces 15 charges, including murder, kidnapping, burglary and weapons possession — the pair could face a bevy of charges when prosecutors formally file. 

The investigation started with a burglary at Pinkus’ home a few blocks from the hotel, but beyond that, police haven’t said much. 

According to police, two men robbed Pinkus’ home and police later arrested Bassett — who matched the description of one of the burglars — at the hotel. 

Pinkus’ body was found in a room at the hotel connected to Bassett, and police said Bassett went to the hotel voluntarily.

Yesterday, police would not say if they believe Bailey and Harper were involved in the burglary. Police also wouldn’t discuss the possibility of more arrests. 

As for the kidnapping charge against Bassett, police said last month that it applies not to Pinkus, but to someone else. 

We will keep updating the case as information trickles out. 

All three defendants have court dates scheduled in the coming weeks, but their preliminary hearings — which will likely be the first chance to get some answers — have yet to be scheduled.