Memorial for Katharina Rothman and update on the case of Coban Porter
Denver—Seven months and 10 days later, at the scene of a fatal accident that killed Katharina Rothman and wounded another person, her family, friends, representatives of the District Attorney’s office and a police officer gathered for a remembrance under the city's memorial sign in her honor.
“Please drive safely - In memory of Katharina Rothman,” reads the sign attached to a light pole on South University Boulevard and Buchtel Street, draped in orchids and purple balloons, Rothman’s favorite flower and color. The sign was designed by the city’s transportation services and design team.
On Jan. 22, Rothman was killed in an automobile accident while working for Uber. Coban Porter, brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. and, at the time, member of the University of Denver basketball team, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and related charges. Porter’s bond was $20,000, but only paying 10% ($2,000) was enough for his release. His brother, Michael, paid his bail, per court documents.
According to Nika Anschuetz, a senior media relations specialist at Denver University, through text message wrote, “Coban Porter started as an undergraduate student at DU in Summer 2021. He was in attendance as a full-time student until Winter quarter 2023.”
Before the family spoke, Denver elected district attorney Beth McCann looked at them, affirming the case was in good hands with her team of prosecutors. Then Rothmnan’s mother, Connie Johnson, took her turn, followed by her mother, daughter and husband in remembrance of Rothman, a 42-year-old mother to a boy of five.
The officer present was corporal Aaron Botts, the person who arrested Porter. Shortly after his arrival, he shared a hug with Johnson. Botts is recognized as an “Enforcement Hero” by Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Colorado Facebook page.
“It is not easy revisiting this site,” Johnson said. “I would like to thank the city of Denver for the memorial sign and the support they have given me throughout this tragic time. I will do my best to use this tragedy I have experienced to shed light on drunk driving in [Colorado] and hope this memorial will do just that.”
The time passed without Johnson’s oldest daughter has had an enormous impact on her family. She said, “As I’m driving [Rothman’s son] to school, just out of the blue, he’ll say, ‘I miss my mommy.’ Sometimes, I get emotional, but I stay strong and change the subject. I tell him, ‘I miss her too,’ and change the subject.”
Johnson says that Rothman’s son is kind, just like his mother, but he never forgets.
Porter's arraignment continued on Aug. 24. There, the next date for his appearance was set for Oct. 19, and the DA’s office also requested to modify a no-contact order so Porter could communicate with Rothman’s family, but under the condition that he does not harass, intimidate witnesses or victims. The judge allowed it.
That day, Porter talked to Johnson. She said he was remorseful and sincere but that she could not forgive him, nor that he asked for it.
“I accepted his apology, but I just can’t forgive him,” Johnson said on Wednesday over a phone call.
After Rothman’s family spoke, McCann talked to reporters in a scrum. When asked if it was normal for an accused only to pay $2,000 for bail when the charges include the loss of life, she said, “ I don’t know if I can say. I think judges look at all the factors in a case. I believe in this case, we argued for a $50,000 bond…”
On Oct.19, Porter will plead guilty or not guilty, according to McCann.
“In the interim, we sometimes talk about any kind of plea disposition of the case short of trial,” McCann said. “That gives both sides an opportunity to have that kind of discussion. If he pleads not guilty, then it proceeds on to the regular process.”
Photo of Katharina Rothman provided by her mother, Connie Johnson