The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. We will continue to update it as more information becomes available.
Ten people were killed during a shooting at a King Soopers in Boulder that began just before 3 p.m. on Monday.
During a Tuesday morning press conference, Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold identified the alleged gunman as a 21-year-old Arvada man. He has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder. As of Tuesday morning, he is still at a Boulder-area hospital, where he is receiving treatment for bullet wound to his leg. Herold said he will likely be transferred to Boulder County jail shortly.
The 10 people that died at the scene range in age from 20 to 65. They include Denny Stong (20), Nevin Stanisic (23), Rikki Olds (25), Tralona Bartkowiak (49), Suzanne Fountain (59), Teri Leiker (51), Kevin Mahoney (61), Lynn Murray (62), and Jody Water (65).
The final fatality was 51-year-old Officer Eric Talley, who was the first law-enforcement officer to respond to the incident. He had been a member of the Boulder Police Department since 2010.
“I have to tell you the heroic action of this officer when he responded to the scene…” Herold said on Monday night, holding back tears. “I am so sorry about the loss of Officer Talley.”
Procession for fallen Boulder PD officer. Our view from Table Mesa and Broadway #9NEWS pic.twitter.com/6R1duMvk4Z
— Noel Brennan (@Noeltbrennan) March 23, 2021
“This is a real horror and terror for all of us,” said Governor Jared Polis on Tuesday morning. “We will hold this evil-doer responsible.”
On Monday night, Herold said that any investigation would likely take at least five days to complete, but that law enforcement planned to “work around the clock.” Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty did say that investigators have spoken with the suspect. “Why did this happen? We don’t have the answer to that yet,” said Dougherty.
According to Colorado Public Radio, a livestream video of the incident captured by a self-described citizen journalist showed police arriving at the scene within minutes, including officers in regular uniforms, as well as armored response units.
For the next few hours, dozens of law enforcement officers—many in body armor—continued to gather at the supermarket. Many of them helped escort dozens of patrons from the store. About an hour after the shooting started, news helicopters captured police leading a man who appeared to be restrained, was wearing only boxer shorts, and had a bloody leg out of the area.
Another incident in a nearby residential neighborhood also drew a large police presence, but authorities later said that was unrelated to what had happened at King Soopers.
