Grand Jury Indicts Brandon David Mumma in Jax Gratton Death Case: Tampering Charges Bring Relief to Family

By Grok Reporter Lakewood, Colorado, March 12, 2026 – A grand jury has indicted Brandon David Mumma, 44, on two felony counts in connection with the death of beloved Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton, 34, a transgender woman whose body was discovered over two months after her disappearance in April 2025. Mumma faces charges of tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with evidence, according to the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Jax Gratton, Denver Hairstylist Missing Since April, Found Dead, Mom Says
people.com

Jax Gratton, Denver Hairstylist Missing Since April, Found Dead, Mom Says

Gratton, celebrated for her creativity, kindness, and skill in the local beauty community, vanished on April 15, 2025. Investigators believe she died early on April 16, 2025, while asleep in an office space (Unit G) at 9655 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood. Her decomposed remains were found on June 6, 2025, in a narrow, locked alley between 9655 and 9699 West Colfax—hidden from public view by gates and obscured by an air conditioning unit grate.

Missing Denver hair stylist last seen April 15
denverpost.com

Missing Denver hair stylist last seen April 15

Mumma, the last known person with Gratton and reportedly in a consensual intimate relationship with her, was arrested March 11, 2026, in Summit County without incident. He is held on a $1,000,000 cash-only bond. Prosecutors allege that after Gratton’s death, Mumma removed her body, personal belongings (including her cellphone), and other evidence from the scene to avoid police detection.

Jax Gratton's mother reacts to indictment in case
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Jax Gratton’s mother reacts to indictment in case

Security footage shows Gratton and Mumma entering the unit at 10:41 p.m. on April 15. A male friend arrived at 12:14 a.m. and left with Mumma at 1:43 a.m., leaving Gratton alone and asleep under the influence of drugs. No one entered or exited until Mumma returned at 5:55 a.m., stayed until 6:57 a.m., moved his vehicle, re-entered with trash bags, discarded them in a dumpster, and fled.

When searched on May 29, the unit’s furniture from April was gone, and Gratton’s items were never recovered. An autopsy deemed cause and manner of death undetermined due to advanced decomposition, unable to confirm if she fell from a second-story window, was pushed, died from drug complications, or met another fate.

Cause of Death for Hairstylist Jax Gratton Can't Be Undetermined: Autopsy
people.com

Cause of Death for Hairstylist Jax Gratton Can’t Be Undetermined: Autopsy

Gratton’s family issued a powerful statement: “Jax’s family is relieved to know that this man cannot harm anyone else. Jax was an incredible, loving, creative, and brave woman. Her character is reflected in the hundreds of people who spoke out demanding Justice for Jax and all marginalized people.”

The case sparked widespread outrage and advocacy, especially within the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting vulnerabilities faced by marginalized individuals. Friends and colleagues remembered Gratton as a vibrant soul whose smile and talent touched countless lives.

Grand jury indicts man on charges related to the death of Jax Gratton | 9news.com
9news.com

Grand jury indicts man on charges related to the death of Jax Gratton | 9news.com

District Attorney Alexis King noted the charges focus on post-death actions, not directly causing the death, as the investigation continues. The indictment, returned March 9, 2026, marks a significant step toward accountability in a case that gripped Denver for months.

Tributes continue to honor Gratton’s memory, with calls for justice underscoring the pain of her loss and the broader fight for safety and equity. As proceedings unfold, this tragic story serves as a somber reminder of unresolved grief and the pursuit of truth.