Parole board hears Colton Beed in 2019 Salt Lake City burglary killing

Colton James Beed, 27, appeared before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole on Tuesday for his first parole hearing over a Jan. 12, 2019, burglary in Salt Lake City in which Marine veteran Mason Hunt was shot and killed, KSL reported. ^[1]

KSL reported that Beed and others planned to rob a known marijuana dealer at a home, believing the dealer was away. Hunt, 26, who lived in the home, came back during the robbery and was shot. Four males were charged as adults. Beed was originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to five years to life for aggravated burglary. Two of his co-defendants have previously been granted parole. ^[1]

At the hearing Beed called himself a "dumb young kid" who was high when he agreed to join the robbery, and said he cannot take back his decision. Hunt's sister, LauraKay Hunt, said that explanation was not enough and asked the board to consider whether he is rehabilitated. Hunt's mother, Cindy Hunt, said the family has no closure. Investigators have not established who fired the fatal shot. ^[1]

The full five-member board will vote on whether to grant parole or schedule another hearing. ^[1]