Updated

Two police officers accused of conspiring to illegally kill a trophy elk in Boulder have resigned.

Boulder police said Tuesday that an internal investigation into Sam Carter and Brent Curnow is continuing despite the resignations.

The two had been on unpaid leave since their arrests Friday on nine charges, including killing an elk out of season and tampering with evidence.

Investigators allege Carter killed the elk while on duty Jan. 1 after texting Curnow about shooting it. Police have said Curnow was off duty but helped haul the carcass away to be processed for meat.

Investigators say Carter had said the elk looked like it needed to be put down, but the Daily Camera reports necropsy results didn't indicate the elk had any injuries before it was shot