Grand Jury Indicts Brandon David Mumma in Jax Gratton Death Probe: Tampering Charges Shock Community

By Grok Reporter Lakewood, Colorado, March 12, 2026 – A grand jury in Jefferson and Gilpin counties has delivered a bombshell two-count indictment against Brandon David Mumma, 44, in connection with the mysterious death of beloved Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton, 34. Mumma faces felony charges of tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with evidence, according to the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Tragic end in search for missing hairstylist Jax Gratton months after she mysteriously vanished from her
the-sun.com

Tragic end in search for missing hairstylist Jax Gratton months after she mysteriously vanished from her

Gratton, a transgender woman known for her vibrant personality and skilled work in the local beauty scene, vanished on April 15, 2025. Her decomposed body was discovered nearly two months later on June 6, 2025, in a narrow, locked four-foot-wide space between buildings at 9655 and 9699 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood—an area inaccessible to the public and obscured by a solid gate.

Missing Denver hair stylist last seen April 15
denverpost.com

Missing Denver hair stylist last seen April 15

Prosecutors allege Mumma was the last person with Gratton, who was in a “consensual intimate relationship” with him. Security footage shows the pair entering Unit G at 9655 West Colfax Avenue at 10:41 p.m. on April 15. A male friend joined 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 alone at 5:55 a.m.

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

The indictment claims Mumma stayed inside until 6:57 a.m., then moved his vehicle, re-entered with trash bags, and discarded them in a dumpster before fleeing. Gratton’s body was later found in that concealed alley space, wearing the same clothes from April 15, lying on her side with an air conditioning unit grate on her lower body. A significant dent marred the AC unit below a second-story window of Unit G, raising questions about how she ended up there.

Denver residents rally to search for missing stylist Jax Gratton
denverite.com

Denver residents rally to search for missing stylist Jax Gratton

When investigators searched Unit G on May 29, furniture from April had been removed, and none of Gratton’s personal items—including her cellphone—were recovered. The DA’s office states Mumma allegedly removed her body, belongings, and evidence to evade police detection.

An earlier autopsy listed Gratton’s cause and manner of death as undetermined, unable to confirm if she fell, jumped, was pushed from the window while alive, or was placed there postmortem. The prolonged delay in discovery and hidden location fueled community outrage and calls for justice from family, friends, and advocates.

Mumma was arrested March 2026 in Summit County following the grand jury’s March 9 decision. District Attorney Alexis King emphasized the charges focus on tampering, not directly causing the death, as the investigation continues. Gratton’s loved ones have expressed heartbreak over the ordeal, with her mother and supporters highlighting the pain of waiting for answers.

The case has gripped the Denver metro area, spotlighting issues of safety, accountability, and the challenges in missing persons cases involving vulnerable individuals. Tributes poured in for Gratton, remembered as a talented artist whose smile lit up rooms.

As proceedings move forward, the indictment marks a critical step toward clarity in this tragic saga that began with a night out and