Suspected murder-suicide after 2 teens found dead near Ray Nixon Power Plant
FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says the case involving two teens who were found dead in a vehicle south of Fountain is being investigated as a murder-suicide.
The bodies of the teens were found in a car at about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. Colorado State Patrol and Fountain Police began investigating.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says the body of a missing 17-year-old female was found in the backseat of the car, along with the body of 18-year-old Samuel Hoffman of Littleton. Police say it's believed that Hoffman shot himself inside the car when law enforcement arrived and died before they contacted him.
The 17-year-old girl's identity hasn't been released, but authorities say she had been friends with the suspect for years before their relationship "grew stronger."
"Our hearts go out to the families of both of these young people whose lives were lost.” Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said in a statement. “We know this is a difficult time for friends and family, we want you to know that we mourn with you. We will work diligently to find answers for everyone involved.”
Spurlock said during a conference Wednesday afternoon that Hoffman had a history of issues, including one domestic violence incident in Aurora that was under investigation. Spurlock said the victim in that incident isn't the 17-year-old murder victim. Spurlock said Hoffman hasn't been enrolled in school since he dropped out of a GED program in April 2019.
Spurlock said the female victim got in the car with Hoffman shortly after 3 p.m. and was believed to be murdered in a parking lot about a block away from her high school. Her cause of death hasn't been officially determined yet.
A motive for the murder-suicide hasn't been determined. Spurlock said Hoffman's mental health is a concern for investigators, but there weren't any reports of difficulties or disputes between Hoffman and the victim. Spurlock said there was a social media post by Hoffman that referenced his actions with the victim, but he didn't give specific details.
The sheriff's office said it's not clear why Hoffman drove south.
Mile High Academy says it will have grief counselors available for students and staff.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Editor's Note: The DCSO previously said that Hoffman was expelled from school in November before issuing a correction Wednesday evening. This article has been updated to reflect that correction.
