Asa Peck Found Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder

Today, a jury found Asa Alan Peck, 47, of Loveland, guilty of the following charges:

• Murder in the 2nd Degree, a class two felony
• Sexual Assault-Force/No Consent, a class three felony
• Violation of a Protection Order, a class one misdemeanor

In August 2022, Chantell Wilkes’ body was found in the Big Thompson River in Fairgrounds Park in Loveland, Colorado. Ms. Wilkes died from a combination of blunt force trauma and drowning.  The Larimer County Coroner ruled her death a homicide.  

Ms. Wilkes was unhoused at the time of her death, and the Loveland Police Department immediately began an extensive investigation that included roughly one hundred witnesses.  Detectives with the Loveland Police Department developed a suspect, Asa Peck, based on witnesses seeing him with Ms. Wilkes shortly before her death, witnesses who saw him near the scene where she was found in the river, and his recent relationship with Ms. Wilkes, including two misdemeanor domestic violence cases where Ms. Wilkes was the victim.  

Detectives interviewed Mr. Peck and collected DNA  samples from him to test against evidence collected from Ms. Wilkes’ body and evidence collected from the scene. Mr. Peck’s DNA was found on several pieces of that evidence, as well as Ms. Wilkes’ body. 

In February 2024, after an extensive investigation, Mr. Peck was arrested and charged with Murder in the 1st Degree. 

The three-week trial, led by Assistant District Attorney Matt Maillaro and Deputy District Attorney Erin Butler, consisted of dozens of witnesses, hundreds of pieces of evidence, expert witnesses in DNA and forensic examination, and the litigation of complex legal issues. 

The jury agreed with the prosecution team that Mr. Peck was responsible for killing and sexually assaulting Ms. Wilkes, and they found him guilty on all three charges.. 

For his convictions, Mr. Peck could face the following sentence: 

• Murder in the 2nd Degree (F2)
  • 16-48 years in the Department of Corrections
  • Up to a $1,000,000 fine
• Sexual Assault- No Consent (Force/Threat/Other) (F3)
  • 4-12 years to life in the Department of Corrections
  • Up to a $500,000 fine
• Violation of Protection Order (M1)
  • Up to 364 days in jail
  • Up to $1,000 in fines

Sentencing for Mr. Peck will take place on January 12, 2026, in Courtroom 3A.  

“Today marks the end of a long, challenging journey for the family and friends of Chantell Wilkes,” said Loveland Police Assistant Chief Jim Byrne. “It goes without saying that we are proud of the work and determination of the many staff involved from the Loveland Police Department, especially the two lead detectives who made justice for Chantell a priority for over three years. They have walked side by side with a very skilled and dedicated prosecution team. We appreciate the dedication of the jury for giving their time and affirming our findings. It is our hope that the verdict brings some peace and comfort to her family, knowing she will always be missed.”

“Chantell Wilkes was a mother, a sister, and loved by many. A victim of a crime deserves justice regardless of where they call home or what struggles they may face,” said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin. “This investigation and prosecution were incredibly complex and took years of dedicated work from our office and the Loveland Police Department. I'm incredibly proud of our team for their commitment to seeking justice for Ms. Wilkes and her family.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, help is available:

Alternatives to Violence: 970.669.5150

Crossroads Safehouse: 1.888.541.SAFE (7233)

Estes Valley Crisis Advocates: 970-577-9781

Violence Free Colorado: www.violencefreecolorado.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline: www.thehotline.org/