Suspect Arrested in Marine Street Homicide; Victims’ Families Request Privacy
Boulder, CO – Boulder Police detectives worked around the clock investigating leads and following up on tips to identify, find and arrest the man suspected of shooting and killing a University of Colorado Boulder student on Saturday.
Thanks to good policework, the suspect has been identified as Omar Perez, 18, of Thornton. He was arrested early this morning and charged with murder in the first degree-extreme indifference, assault in the first degree-extreme indifference and attempted murder in the first degree-extreme indifference. He is not a C.U. student. His photo will not be released at this time because of the ongoing investigation. The second victim remains hospitalized.
The families of the two victims are requesting privacy and do not wish to speak to the media.
Though additional charges are possible for other individuals involved in this incident, detectives believe this suspect is the only shooter.
“Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and while I hope this arrest restores some measure of safety, I know it will never bring back the life of this young man or undo all the trauma victims have gone through,” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said. “I’m incredibly proud of our detectives and officers who have worked nonstop since late Saturday to find and arrest this suspect. Their tireless efforts and good community tips led to the suspect’s identity within 24 hours and then we coordinated with our partners at Thornton Police, Westminster Police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to safely take him into custody.”
This remains an active and ongoing investigation and detectives are still asking for the public’s help to identify other individuals involved in this crime. Photos of the persons of interest can be found on our website: https://bouldercolorado.gov/news/two-men-shot-one-fatally-overnight-boulder-police-seek-publics-help
Anyone who recognizes these individuals, attended the party or has information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Boulder Police dispatch at 303-441-3333 reference case 26-10148.
Photo and video tips can be submitted online at https://bouldercopd.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/2610148
This investigation began at approximately 11:28 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, when officers responded to reports of a shooting at a home in the 700 block of Marine Street. Officers arrived on scene in less than two minutes and located two 19-year-old men with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to the hospital where, tragically, one of the victims died of his injuries early Sunday, Nov. 1.
Both victims were University of Colorado Boulder students, and the Boulder County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the victim who died.
This was not the first call to this home Saturday. Earlier Saturday night, Boulder Police responded to a noise complaint involving a large party at the residence. Officers contacted the individuals who live there and cited them for having a nuisance party. Following police intervention, the party ended, and hundreds of attendees left the area. A smaller group remained inside the home.
Detectives believe a group of individuals later attempted to force their way into the house. Shortly after that scuffle, shots were fired inside the home, striking the two victims. The suspects then fled the scene.
As in every criminal case, these charges are an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
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