Aurora man suspected of killing homeowner days after collecting free furniture

June 4, 2024

The suspect met the victim for the first time through Freebies, an app for free items, before he shot him in the head, according to the arrest affidavit.

AURORA, Colo. — The arrest affidavit for an Aurora man charged with murder last Friday says he had met the victim to pick up free furniture before shooting him in the head a few days later.

On Friday, May 24, the Aurora Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at a residence. Officers arrived at the scene and observed a black SUV leaving, and 45-year-old Aaron Paul Dafler in the driveway, unconscious, with a gunshot wound to his head. Dafler was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

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The suspect, Gilbert Vermillion,43, was seen fleeing the scene in the black SUV, which led to a police pursuit. He was apprehended after rolling out of the moving car.

According to the arrest affidavit, Vermillion had met Dafler and his girlfriend, Christina, through a post about free furniture on Freebie Alerts. They were giving away household items because they were moving. During the week leading up to the incident, Vermillion visited their residence multiple times to pick up furniture.

According to the affidavit, Vermillion’s behavior escalated on May 24. He is accused of making unwanted advances to another person in the house. The family confirmed with 9NEWS, that it was Christina’s 15-year-old daughter.

In a police interview, the daughter said Vermillion made her extremely uncomfortable that evening. She said Vermillion asked her to look into his eyes and made her hold his hand for an extended period of time, on top of other inappropriate comments, and flirtatious gestures. Dafler told Vermillion to stop, which then escalated into a physical altercation.

The affidavit says Dafler de-escalated the situation, and Vermillion promised to leave and walked out the front door. However, Vermillion returned moments later, kicking the door down and looking for his phone and keys, police said.

Despite Dafler repeatedly asking him to leave, Vermillion persistently re-entered the home to continue the confrontation. This ongoing altercation ultimately culminated in a fight in the driveway. A few moments later, neighbors heard gunshots and called police. 

The affidavit states that neither Dafler’s girlfriend, Christina, nor her daughter saw or heard the shooting while inside the home. 

Officers found a revolver lying on the center console of the black SUV Vermillion was driving, and reported no casings on scene, which a revolver typically does not eject if used.

Vermillion was taken to the hospital after his arrest for the injuries he sustained from rolling out of the car. The affidavit says Vermillion told officers, “It was self-defense, that guy attacked me.” When medical staff removed his handcuffs to provide treatment, Vermillion became combative and kicked one of the nurses in the face, police said.

At the hospital, a CAT scan found a bullet in Dafler’s brain. He was pronounced dead at 3:08 a.m. on May 25.

Vermillion faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree assault.

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