El Paso County man found guilty of murdering wife during standoff

An El Paso County man on trial for fatally shooting his wife during a hostage situation in 2016 was found guilty by a jury Tuesday.

Gregory Lorbiecki was convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping following the November 2016 standoff with El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 32 years.

The standoff happened in the 5100 block of Harrington Drive in Security-Widefield. Deputies were originally called to the house for a domestic violence situation shortly after midnight. About four hours later, gunshots rang out.

Investigators said they found Lorbiecki’s wife, Karyn Lorbiecki, fatally shot.

“Justice has been done, we’re relieved,” Karyn’s sister-in-law, Angie Ragsdale, said through tears Tuesday outside of the El Paso County courtroom where Lorbiecki was convicted.

Ragsdale also addressed the judge during the sentencing, which also happened on Tuesday. She spoke about how Karyn Lorbiecki and the couples two children endured years of verbal and physical abuse from Greg Lorbiecki before the incident occurred.

Ragsdale and her husband, Karyn’s brother, now care for the two children. They say the sentence is also a relief for them, knowing they will not have to worry about their father being released from prison.

“It’s going to take a huge weight off our shoulders and we can go on with life and not worry about him ever again,” Ragsdale said.

The judge also had strong words for Lorbiecki before handing down the life sentence.

“This is as cold-blooded a murder as there is,” said Judge Will Bain.