Update
“Words fall short to describe the tragedy that took place this morning. As the chief of police, as a husband, as a father, as a grandfather, as a member of this community, my heart breaks for the families who have lost someone they love and for the children who have lost their parents. From the officers who responded to the shooting to the investigators still on scene, we are all left incredibly shaken. This is something you hope never happens in your own community, in the place that you call home. When these types of unspeakable acts happen, there is nothing that can be done to fully rebuild what was lost or replace those who are no longer with us. My vow to this community and to the families who have lost someone today, is that this department will do everything we can to find you the answers you deserve and be here for you with an unwavering support.”
-Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski
While the investigation into the homicides at the Canterbury Mobile home park is still ongoing, we felt it was necessary to provide our community with an update of the events that occurred. The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) made the intentional decision to release this information now in order to properly and respectfully notify family members of the deceased and ensure support was in place before making this public announcement.
On May 9, 2021, CSPD responded to a shooting call for service at the Canterbury Mobile Home Park at approximately 12:18 A.M. Upon arrival, officers located six deceased adults and one adult male with serious injuries who was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Through an initial analysis of evidence and preliminary interviews, it appears that a birthday party was being held at the trailer in the 2800 block of Preakness Way for one of the victims. Friends, family, and children were gathered inside the trailer to celebrate when the shooting occurred.
The suspect, a boyfriend of one of the female victims, drove to the residence, walked inside and began shooting people at the party before taking his own life. This horrific act has resulted in the death of six adult victims. The children at the trailer were uninjured by the suspect and are now with relatives. We are still investigating to determine a motive.
The names of the victims and the suspect will be released at a later date once the Coroner has made an official identification of the deceased and determined the cause and manner of death.
When speaking on this incident, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers says:
“Today we find ourselves mourning the loss of lives and praying solemnly for those who were injured and those who lost family members in a senseless act of violence on Sunday morning. We think too of the emergency personnel who responded to a horrific scene and we keep them in our prayers today.
We ask the public’s patience with the investigation and we seek the sensitivity of our media partners as CSPD completes a thorough investigation to provide answers to the families and friends impacted by this tragedy.”
Anyone who has information about this crime, or is a witness who has not spoken with detectives, is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
Initial Release
On May 9, 2021, at approximately 12:18 A.M., the Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) Communication Center received a report of a shooting at a residence in the 2800 block of Preakness Way. When CSPD officers arrived on scene, they located multiple deceased victims inside the residence. One adult victim was transported to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Detectives from CSPD’s Violent Crimes Section responded and assumed responsibility for this investigation.
Based on the preliminary investigation, it is believed that the suspect in this incident is also deceased inside the residence. It appears that the suspect and the victims were known to each other.
While the Coroner’s Office will make the official cause and manner of death determination, these deaths are being investigated as homicides and this continues to be an active investigation. Further details will be released in the future as appropriate.
Anyone who has information about this crime, or is a witness who has not spoken with detectives, is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.