Grieving Colorado Uncle Charged After ‘Body-Slamming’ Defense Lawyer Outside Courthouse

A Colorado man has been charged with second-degree assault after authorities say he violently attacked the defense attorney representing the suspect accused of killing his 12-year-old nephew during a court hearing in Arapahoe County, as reported by The New York Post.

Daniel Ashby, 36, was taken into custody Monday inside the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton, Colorado, after allegedly body-slamming attorney H. Michael Steinberg in a hallway outside a courtroom, according to a report from CBS Colorado.

Prosecutors allege Ashby used an “MMA-style takedown,” leaving the attorney unconscious and seriously injured.

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Tío en Colorado derriba con fuerza a abogado de asesino de su sobrino en corte

¡Un golpe de rabia que rompe huesos y enciende la furia familiar!

Daniel Ashby, de 36 años, derribó al abogado H. Michael Steinberg con una técnica de MMA en el pasillo del tribunal… pic.twitter.com/XEkG9I8UPu

— ⓍULTIMAHORAENX (@ULTIMAHORAENX) December 12, 2025

Ashby was in court for a hearing involving 19-year-old Christopher Ramirez-Rodriguez, who is accused of running a red light and killing Ashby’s nephew in July. Steinberg was representing Ramirez-Rodriguez at the time of the incident.

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According to an arrest record obtained by CBS Colorado, Ashby allegedly “aggressively approached” Steinberg in the courthouse hallway while attempting “to see the defendant.”

Police said Steinberg pushed Ashby back to create space, at which point Ashby allegedly executed the takedown.

Steinberg, a longtime defense attorney who has appeared as a guest commentator on CNN and Fox News, was rendered unconscious during the encounter.

He was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for multiple spinal fractures.

In an email sent Tuesday, Steinberg told CBS Colorado that he also suffered a “shattered pelvis,” was in “serious pain,” and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday.

Court officials said the incident was not captured on surveillance video. Ashby was immediately detained by authorities at the courthouse.

Jail records reviewed by The Post show Ashby is being held at the Arapahoe County Jail on a $75,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court Friday in connection with the alleged assault.

Ashby’s older brother, Michael Ashby, who is the father of the 12-year-old victim, said he was present at Monday’s hearing but did not witness the hallway incident.

He told CBS Colorado that multiple family members have been attending court proceedings and that emotions have been high.

“The whole family is frustrated with this legal system,” Michael Ashby said, adding that tensions between the families have been significant.

Court records show that after the incident, the judge overseeing the case warned both families against “taking justice into their own hands.”

Public records cited by CBS Colorado indicate Daniel Ashby has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple violations of protective orders and prior jail sentences.

The underlying criminal case stems from a fatal crash that occurred around 10 a.m. on July 19 in Aurora. Police said Ramirez-Rodriguez ran a red light and struck Ashby’s 12-year-old nephew as the boy was crossing the road on an electric scooter.

According to the Aurora Police Department, Ramirez-Rodriguez remained at the scene and was cooperative with officers. Investigators said drugs or alcohol were not suspected, but distracted driving was being examined as a possible contributing factor.

Ramirez-Rodriguez has been charged with careless driving resulting in death. That case remains pending.

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