Victims remembered in anniversary of Colorado Springs Mother’s Day shooting
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Sunday marked one year since a Mothers Day shooting that claimed the lives of six people at the Canterbury Mobile Home Park in Colorado Springs.
On May 9, 2021, police say a man opened fire at a birthday party before turning the gun on himself.
The Colorado Springs Police Department says the shooting was an act of domestic violence. According to police, 28-year-old Teodoro Macias was mad he wasn't invited to that family gathering by his girlfriend.
In 2021, Police Lieutenant Joe Frabbiele described the suspect as jealous and controlling of his girlfriend, Sandra Ibarra.
“The suspect had a history of controlling and jealous behavior towards the victim," Frabbiele says. "This behavior, in particular, was obvious when he tried to isolate her from her family making efforts to prevent her from attending family events.” However, investigators said they didn't have any reports of domestic violence between the couple, who had been together for a year.
Macias had been in a relationship with Ibarra for about a year before the shooting.
Following the shooting, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers touched on the critical importance of using domestic violence resources in the community.
“If someone is involved in a relationship where they think there is a danger of violence - I would encourage them to reach out for help," Mayor Suthers said. "You know TESSA, our domestic violence center here is available to help people with any legal or court orders or things like that, or if you need shelter. There is resources available.”
TESSA, one of the leading providers of domestic violence resources in the community, can provide immediate safety for domestic violence victims in a safe house.
They also empower survivors through programs and support such as advocacy and counseling.
The victims of the shooting were identified as:
- Melvin Perez, 30
- Mayra Ibarra de Perez, 33
- Joana Cruz, 52
- Jose Gutierrez, 21
- Sandra Ibarra-Perez, 28
- Jose Ibarra, 26
