(Newser)
–
Colorado is reeling in the fatal shooting of corrections head Tom Clements, and police are scrambling to come up with either suspect or motive. Fearing additional attacks, the state is ramping up security measures for Gov. John Hickenlooper, lawmakers, and other officials, the Denver Post reports. Police aren't sure why Clements was attacked, but say they "know of his position and realize that it is a possible motive for a crime such as this." At the moment, the top lead is a "boxy" car that was running with no driver near Clements' house, according to a witness. A Corrections spokeswoman wouldn't comment on whether he had received death threats, other than to say, "Corrections is inherently a dangerous business."
By all counts beloved by everyone from colleagues to ex-gang members, Clements was known for his dedication. He fought recidivism, tried to improve life for prison workers, and cut the number of prisoners facing solitary confinement, the New York Times reports. He had, however, closed a pair of prisons and recently denied a Saudi-born prisoner's request to serve his time in Saudi Arabia. "He did his job quietly and intently," said Hickenlooper, who yesterday signed new gun control measures into law.
