Accused elk killer faces four charges

Randal Lee Francis, the 35-year-old Lakewood man accused of poaching an elk known as "Samson" on Nov. 11, was formally charged Friday with four offenses in the elk slaying.

He was charged with two felonies willful destruction of big game and possession of a deadly weapon by a prior offender.

He also was charged with two misdemeanors hunting without a license and hunting on private property.

He is accused of stalking the 7-by-9 point bull on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies, and shooting him with a crossbow, in an incident that gained nationwide media attention and sparked public outcry to have the court system take wildlife crimes more seriously.

Francis posted a $10,000 bond on Friday.

On Tuesday morning, he appeared in court to have a public defender appointed to represent him.

Francis will next appear in District Court before Judge John-David Sullivan on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m. for a preliminary hearing.