Arl Urien (Kendalls) is the former Arl of Denerim. He is away at the Battle of Ostagar at the beginning of Dragon Age: Origins. Though considered a decent man Urien's son, Vaughan (Kendalls), has run wild and enjoys terrorizing and abusing the elves of the Denerim Alienage in his absence. According to Duncan the Arl is no particular friend of the Grey Wardens, and not expected to aid them against the coming Blight.
If asking Bodahn about any rumors, he may mention that Vaughan allegedly hired the Antivan Crows to kill Urien rather his having died at the battle of Ostagar. This is especially problematic if the player is playing the City Elf Origin, as they were originally intended to be kept in the Arl of Denerim's Estate - Dungeon until Urien arrived home to charge them with murder. Given his death, it is likely that the City Elf Warden would have died in prison, or been executed anyway.