Suspect identified in killing of 27-year-old in Canon City

CANON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Police have identified the suspect arrested for murder after a 27-year-old man was shot dead Tuesday evening in Canon City.

According to an update from the Canon City Police Department, 54-year-old Kenneth Sweet was arrested for second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.

The arrest comes after the killing of Ashton Ladd, who was shot near 200 N. 3rd Street. Police had originally detained two men, but only Sweet is facing charges in the case.

According to an affidavit for Sweet's arrest, Ladd went to Sweet's house on 3rd Street with another man, and the group was hanging out and telling stories. Ladd then left the house and returned after apparently having an argument with his stepdad, according to a witness inside the home.

When Ladd returned, he told Sweet about the altercation, but during that conversation, Sweet "got too close to [Ladd] and [Ladd] slapped Sweet across the face," according to a witness statement in the affidavit.

That's when Sweet went to the other side of the room, grabbed a gun, and shot Ladd outside the home, according to the affidavit.

Officers arrived minutes after the shooting and detained Sweet before he was arrested.

Police say there's no threat to the community.