Sean David May
December 28, 1970 - August 27, 2008
In Their Own Words
Sean May had been with the office for seven years and was responsible for the supervision and training of new deputy district attorneys. Sean was a talented prosecutor, a loving husband and a steadfast friend. Sean leaves a wife who is six months pregnant with their first child. We are all shocked and devastated by this terribly tragedy. Sean was a part of our office family and the loss is immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

-- District Attorney Don Quick

I'd see him in the hallways of the courthouse and smile.

He was witty, fun to be with, the Father Time of counselors for other DA's.  

If you needed perspective on something, really anything, Sean would give you his if you asked.

I remember asking him if he thought I had captured the essence of a sad story about people who got caught up in the problems of life and chose the wrong way out. 

He told me yes.... and no....and why... helping to sort it out.   

He was with the Adams County DA because of those people.

Before that, he was a 17th Street attorney and he told me he quit the money because what he was doing wasn't quite right for him. 

He wanted to be more in touch with people who needed him so he went to work for the Adams County District Attorney's Office and quickly became a trial attorney "making the difference."

He did, for so many people, including me.  

A very very smart man with the right degree of compassion and graciousness, yet a very tough prosecutor.

He was most happy about his wife Corin, a former deputy district attorney with Adams County, and the child they would have in November.    

He was one of those invaluable and, yes, irreplaceable people and his killing brings so much sadness. 


-- Paula Woodward, 9News Investigative Reporter

Sean May was a friend and classmate at Fairport High School, and I'm terribly saddened that this has happened to him and his family. The news is just starting to filter through our community here in New York, and the response has been exactly the same from everyone. Sean was as decent and conscientious a person as I've ever known. He has my deepest respect and gratitude for his choice to spend his career working for the people of Denver. My family joins those who send all of our love and prayers to his family. Someone truly special was lost, please remember that.
 
-- Cara Lynch on DenverPost.com

Having known Sean professionally for nearly two years, I am truly saddened and angered by this senseless tragedy. Sean was a true representation of the word 'Justice' and was one of the kindest, fairest, most considerate men anyone could have met. This is a tremendous loss for society as a whole.

I am heartbroken for his wife and unborn child. My most sincere condolences go out to them, his family and friends. My prayers are with them all. What a sad, sad time.


Sean May was a man of true character, integrity and decency. He made an important and tremendous contribution in countless lives. He worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of those he came in contact with. His efforts and his life were not in vain. Godspeed Sean May.


--WeReapWhatWeSow on 9News.com

Where does one start regarding a horrific crime as this. I had the utter and complete pleasure of associating with Sean and the victim's advocate (Tara) in Adams County.

I unfortunately, yet fortunately, met Sean in 2007 when my grandaughter was severly shaken by her father. Sean and Tara had our case and I will tell you that this man has the most compassion, caring, and passionate drive to make sure my grandaughter received justice. He made sure we put all our input in this case and made sure that anything he did was of the approval of my daughter and my family. Sean made our expierence more managable and tolorable during our time of need. Sean would constantly ask how she was doing. He was very caring and was truly compassionate and abreast of my grandaughter's health and condition. Thanks to Sean the horrible man that did this to my grandaughter is in prison for 20+ years. I am sure there are more people out there in this profession that have the compassion that Sean displayed. Keep up the good work; we do appreciate all of you!

To Sean, rest my friend where you feel no pain. To his wife and family, remember the wonderful friend, husband, uncle, brother, and son you were able to cherish for the short time he was on this earth. You will all be together someday. God Bless you all!!!

-- Winnietpooh on 9News.com

Sean has saved countless children, including my daughter, from continuing sexual abuse. I will never forget his tenderness with my daughter, his compassion for our pain, and his dedication to seeking justice. Sean is my hero! I was devastated to learn of this senseless murder, and plan to donate money to the memorial fund set up with Wells Fargo to support his wife and soon-to-be born child. My deepest condolences to Mrs. May!! We love you because we knew him. God Bless you.
 
-- Seanismyhero on 9News.com

"I don't usually do this, but I had to say something for his family. Sean was a great prosecuter and a great person. He did great things for this horrible world we live in, as did his wife. God bless him and his family, are prayers and thoughts are with you all."

-- Peacebwu on 9News.com

For those of us left behind, we all feel pain in times like this, because of those we miss or because of how someone touched our lives. Some people make a difference in our life and Sean was one of those people. To Sean’s family and co-workers, please rest assured, these expressions of grief and sadness are meant to provide you with some comfort during your unfathomable and unimaginable time of grief and loss.

We offer these words because we know not what to do. In some small way, please take comfort in the fact that Sean made such a difference in my life, from the moment I met him in an Adams County Courtroom, back in March 2006. From the moment he saw me walk in, he took an immediate interest in me and in my case. He never once hesitated in any way to insure I was taken care of every step of the way. I never felt unimportant to him. Those were the signs of a truly remarkable human being.

On these blessed few occasions when I have cause to offer my condolences, I am always at a loss for words. I think back to this domestic violence case as I remember in particular how he made me feel, and I wanted to somehow share that with you, and express the loss I am feeling, as I cannot even begin to imagine what you all must be going through. Sean mattered. He mattered to so many people. At the end of my case, he was so troubled by having to call me and tell me that he wouldn’t be able to attend the sentencing hearing, because he was getting married in a few days. It was a sweet phone call; one I’ll never forget. I know how badly he felt.

Thank you all so much for allowing us the honor of sharing our thoughts and offer our prayers. God bless you all. My prayers are with each and every one of you, and especially with his wife, Corin, and the new life you have on the way.

Rest in peace Sean May, for your work here is done. It is now our turn to carry on.

-- Sherri Vigil


 

I knew Mr. May and he served the community with all his heart. I hope that his wife and child will know that Mr. May will alway be as a true hero to me and my family! We will miss him and our prayers go to his family at this time. May justice always prevail and this wrong doing be condemned.

-- RJKMMJHF on 9News.com

I did not know Sean that well, but I knew him to be an intetlligent, caring, gentle, honorable man who genuinely cared about others. My most heartfelt sympathy to his family and his friends and to all of those at the 17th District who knew him and cared for him.

-- Rwindwalker on 9News.com

I'd like to express my deepest sympathies to Sean's wife. He prosecuted a case I was "victim" and "witness" in, so I spent some time with him preparing my testimony. He was a very nice guy and a good prosecutor. I'm very sad to hear something like this could happen to a good person like him. :'( 

-- Shri on RockyMountainNews.com

My heart goes out to Sean and his family. Sean handled my case four months ago when my daughter was molested by my ex. He was very kind and very gentle with my daughter. I remember when he hug her and said that everything will be ok. He did a great job. I will never forget the hug he gave me when all was done. He will be missed. God Bless Sean. To you and Yours.

-- MonkeyHeart on 9News.com

Sean May was an extraordinary prosecutor, public servant and friend. Colorado is better because Sean lived, loved and protected us.
 
-U.S. Attorney Troy Eid

"I sit here in shock, I can believe what this world is coming to. We are better then that. I knew this DA from both sides of the law. In 2005, I had been arrested for drugs. I sleeked helped and and faced my charges, I had a clean background prior and he stated in court,quote Your Honor I agree Mrs. ...... is worth saving. I been clean and doing well all because he did he job. this man had a heart, he believed in me and agree to a second chance, my prayers are with his family......." 

-- Princess80241 on 9News.com

“Sean was a classmate of mine while at Fairport. He was a great guy...he really was. It didn't surprise me to see he went on to serve his community...and in such an impactful way. To the May family--I am so sorry for your loss.”

-- RiseForPeace on democratandchronicle.com

Sean was my classmate at Fairport. As the news has started to filter through, everyone's reaction is exactly the same... first, that we are just shocked. Then, everyone says the same thing -- Sean was one of the good guys -- as decent and conscientious as they come. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family, we know exactly what a special and valuable person has been lost. We are so proud of the career he had, working for the Denver DA's office, and the community will not forget his service to both Denver and the system of justice.

-- Cara Lynch on democratandchronicle.com

Sean was a tremendous guy. So decent, so nice, so smart, so hard working. He was a friend of mine. This is a sad day.


Sean was one of the best prosecutors in the SVU that Adams County had. This is a real loss, one that will not be forgoten.

-- 08klr650 on 9News.com

This is very sad news for me, I knew Mr. May several years ago, when I cared for his dog on a regular basis. He was always so nice, and he just loved Mulder, they absolutely doted on her. I have no doubt he would have made a wonderful father, it's horrible that his child will never get to know him, and that his wife has been deprived her husband. I hope they catch the one(s) responsible and throw the proverbial book at them. My sympathies to everyone who loves him.
 
-- LiaCooperson on RockyMountainNews.com


 

May was 'a talented prosecutor, a loving husband and a steadfast friend,'  in the words used to describe him by his boss in the Adam's County, Colorado DA's office.

Folks in his home town of Fairport say he learned to be those things there. Looking back at May's time at Fairport High, the signs of a well-rounded young man are apparent. Among other things he was a member of the varsity football team and senior class treasurer.

He graduated in 1989. His senior quote: "Put your feet on the ground and reach for the stars," is almost haunting in how it foreshadows things to come.
 
-- Article on 13WHAM.com


My mom was killed in a car accident almost 4 years ago by a drunk driver and Sean was the Deputy DA assigned to us. He went above & beyond to seek justice for our family. From the moment I met this man I knew he was something special. He had to of been one of the most kind hearted, compassionate, humane, selfless people I have ever met. He was relentless when it came to serving justice. My heart truly aches for his family & friends that he's left behind. He was spectacular person & is missed beyond measure! May god bless all whom he's left behind.

-- Drea1780 on 9News.com

Sean was the DA that took my cousin's case, and helped so much to get justice for our family. He fought tooth and nail for what was right. He had so much to do with the shaping of my family. As we were all sitting in the room talking to our Victim's advocate, Sean walked in. He was no longer assigned to our case. Be he made it a point to walk to my cousin and make sure he was ok and satisfied with the outcome, and shook all our hands. He was working another case, and still made it a point to show he cared about his old cases. My entire family was shook by the news of his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and unborn child. If ever we get the chance, we would like to let them know just how important he was to our family and how we are eternally greatful for his duties.”  

-- its_me_sara on 9news.com

I knew Sean when he was in law school. He was a wonderful and kind man. This is such a tragedy for his family. 

-- Emily M on DenverPost.com
Dear Bill, Pat, Matt, and Corin;
We were very sad to hear of your loss. It is a tragedy. Sean is remembered as a soft spoken, respectful, and gentle young man. We know he made a difference in Fairport, and we have read of the positive influence he had for many people in Denver. We are not surprised. We know Corin and baby May will be watched over. May God bless all of you and be your strength through this time. Fond memories will help you endure. Our thoughts and prayers are for all of you.

-- Greg and Bobbi Leonard

Corin,
Words cannot express my deepest sympathies. May the good Lord Bless you & Sean's forthcoming child.
To the May Family my deepest condolences.

-- Jim Buscher

I was so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. My deepest condolences to Sean's family. Although I have not seen Sean in many years, we had grown up together on Wincanton Drive in Fairport, NY; I will always remember his sweet smile. What a tragedy.

-- Dawn Ray

My thoughts and prayers to the May family, Sean was an extrodinary one of a kind person. He gave my family justice for my 2 month old grandaughter. Sean is in a happier place for he will feel no pain ever again...God bless you Corin and your unborn baby Sean will always look upon you.

-- June Lamb

Our Deepest Sympathy to Corin and all of Sean's family. Sean was a great asset to us at the Aurora Police Crimes Against Children Unit, he cared deeply about child victim cases and was a great person in every aspect. He is greatly missed by all of us here and will always be a part of us.

-- Sgt. Joe Young
My Deepest Sympathy to Corin and all of Sean's family here in the Rochester/Fairport, N.Y. area. This is such a tragedy.

-- Donna Taylor