Chip Chick
Danielle’s obituary says she “always cared deeply about every living creature, especially those who are disadvantaged.”
“She thought she could change one person at a time to make the world a better place, but sadly, she was too naive to understand you can not change every person.”
GoFundMe; Danielle smiles in the above photo
On the night of February 6th, Fort Collins Police rushed to the parking lot of a nearby apartment complex after a call came in at 11:03 p.m. that a young woman was lying there unconscious.
That young woman was Danielle, and she was clearly injured. Even though she was taken to a nearby hospital, she sadly passed away due to the injuries she had sustained.
As authorities began to look into what happened to Danielle, they learned she had been hanging out that night with a few people. One of the people she had been spending some time with was 20-year-old Stephen McNeil, her ex-boyfriend.
Fort Collins Police Services said in a statement, “Through further investigation, detectives learned that a group of friends had been socializing that evening, including Hopton, Stephen McNeil, and Ian Rayas.”
“Several of the people eventually drove to an apartment complex at 525 E. Drake Road and parked to hang out. Hopton and McNeil, who had previously been in a relationship, got out of the vehicle to talk and the assault occurred. McNeil left the scene, and a member of the group called 911.”
“Police responded and immediately began working to determine what happened and who had been involved. McNeil was eventually identified as the suspect and arrested on February 7.”
“At the scene and throughout the investigation, Rayas repeatedly denied knowing either party and maintained that he had no information about what caused Hopton’s life-threatening injuries.”
“After receiving evidence to the contrary, police arrested Rayas on February 11. He was booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (class 4 felony) and Accessory to a Crime (class 4 felony).”
“Domestic violence happens all too frequently, and it affects people of all ages in many communities,” said Sgt. Heather Moore, who leads the Crimes Against Persons Unit. “If you or someone you know is being affected by abuse, please reach out. We have resources in our community to help end the cycle of violence.”
Facebook; pictured above is a post about Danielle’s passing from the Larimer Humane Society
Stephen was also arrested, and he’s currently at the Larimer County Jail. He is facing charges of First Degree Murder, Violation of a Protection Order, Violation of Bail Bond Conditions, and Domestic Violence.
A GoFundMe page created for Danielle says she “was a gorgeous, loving, kind and caring young woman.”
“She was always smiling and laughing, she was always asking how you are doing and just genuinely cared about others.”
“Danielle loved spending her time volunteering at the Animal shelter, and helping her dad raise Guide Dog puppies.”
“She was such a selfless and caring person. In speaking with the Family, all money raised will be split equally between Guide Dogs for the Blind, Larimer Animal Shelter, and Crossroads Safehouse. This is what Danielle would’ve wanted, Thank you all so very much.”
In Danielle’s memory, $15,000 was donated to the Larimer Humane Society, $15,000 was donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind, and $15,000 was donated to Crossroads.
