By John C. Ensslin, Rocky Mountain News
July 11, 2003

Denver police, who came under intense criticism at last night's vigil, were nowhere to be seen.

As one speaker railed against "the wall of blue" - referring to officers protecting other officers - the only blue in sight was the sky overhead at Skyland Park.

Except for a handful of officers in an unmarked car and Mayor Wellington Webb's bodyguards in civilian clothing, there were no officers visible during the peaceful two-hour rally.

Officers controlling traffic during the march from Childs' home to the park drew angry responses from some teenagers, who cursed them. But there was no trouble between marchers and officers.

"I want to thank the Denver police for staying back," rally organizer Alvertis Simmons told the crowd gathered at the park, drawing a smattering of cheers.

Earlier in the day, police officials said they would not allow people to march in the streets between the home where a 15-year-old boy was slain Saturday and the park, which is located about three blocks away. They did not enforce that rule, however, as the crowd gradually migrated from the house to the park.

Mayor Wellington Webb urged the crowd to remain calm, and they did.

"Don't do anything that makes other people say, 'I told you so. All they want to do is tear it up,' " Webb said.

Instead, after listening to speeches and prayers, the crowd lit candles, listened to a singer and headed home. By 9:30 p.m., the park was nearly empty.

News staff writer Hector Gutierrez contributed to this report.

Copyright 2003, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.