THORNTON, Colo. — A man in Thornton is believed to have fatally shot three members of his family before turning the gun on himself, according to the Thornton Police Department. A murder-suicide investigation is now underway.
The bodies were discovered Friday night after a family member went to the home in the 13900 block of Harrison Street and found that "multiple individuals inside the residence were unresponsive," police said in a Saturday press release.
Officers arrived around 8 p.m., though police have not said when the shooting occurred.
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Inside the home, officers found two men, a woman, and a juvenile dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators believe one of the men — a 33‑year‑old — shot the three relatives before dying by suicide.
The identities of all four are being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office and notification to family, police said.
Police have not said whether they had prior contact with the household or released details about what may have led to the shooting.
Thornton police said they are deeply saddened by the tragedy and offered condolences to everyone affected.
"We recognize that incidents like this are difficult for neighbors and our entire community. Those in need of support are encouraged to seek available resources," a Thornton PD spokesperson said.
Officers added that there is no known threat to the community and that their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.
The Thornton Police Department, its victim services unit, and its co-responder team are available to provide support and can be reached at 720-977-5150 or by calling 911 in an emergency.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, visit Colorado Crisis Services, or click here for a list of resources.
