Four elk were shot. One was wounded and got away. The head was taken from one, so that was obviously a "trophy" kill. Some meat was taken from another. Only one was shot, killed, and left to rot.
Was this one person or group? All at roughly the same time? Not known; or, the authorities aren't saying.
Sounds like someone will show up at a taxidermist with a big elk mount which should raise some questions, so we'll probably find out in the end.
In Colorado, a hunter must have a valid hunting license for the species taken and provide the taxidermist with documentation of the legal harvest. Taxidermists are required to keep these records in case of an inspection by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Unless the poacher is a taxidermist.
I have been hunting since 1951 and have zero use for "night shooters with spotlights".
They are the most vile of all people that pretend they are really hunters.
There is nothing of value about shooting a "stone still deer in the spot lights", that is easier than target shooting.