Incident Overview

Late Saturday night, two students from the University of Colorado, both 19 years old, were shot after Boulder police intervened to shut down a Halloween gathering in the university’s Boulder neighborhood, known as The Hill. One of the victims succumbed to injuries shortly after being transported to Boulder Community Hospital, according to Boulder Police Department Chief Stephen Redfearn during a Sunday morning press conference.

Details Surrounding the Party

Chief Redfearn characterized the event as a “heinous crime,” elaborating that the party, which had been pre-registered with the university, featured a live band and was attended by “hundreds” of guests. Just before 10 p.m., officers received a noise complaint and responded to the party at the intersection of 7th Street and Marine Street—approximately six blocks from the campus.

The police assessed the situation and deemed it a nuisance, leading to one drunk attendee’s arrest and the issuance of a citation to the party’s organizers.

Despite the crowd largely dispersing after police arrived, a group of individuals, including the party hosts, remained inside the residence when trouble began to brew later in the evening.

The Shooting Incident

At around 11:30 p.m., after the police had left, reports flooded in about a shooting occurring at the same location. Eyewitness accounts suggested that the shooting transpired when a group attempted to force entrance into the house. Investigative efforts included interviewing numerous individuals, with police confirming they had identified two persons of interest from video recordings captured shortly before the incident.

Search for Suspects

Investigators have released descriptions of the two individuals they wish to question:

• Person 1: A male with short, dark hair and facial hair, clad in a red hooded sweatshirt beneath a black jacket.
• Person 2: A male wearing a black shirt featuring Art the Clown and a silver chain necklace.

Though these men are of interest, officials stopped short of labeling them as suspects. In addition to the two identified individuals, police are seeking assistance in identifying more people present during the shooting, emphasizing the need for community involvement.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The Boulder Police Department shut down access to the area around the residence during their investigation, with CU Boulder Police securing the perimeter around the university campus. Residents were allowed to return to their homes by 2 a.m., although investigators believe the suspects had already exited the city by that time.

Concerns about safety among students have been voiced, with one college student describing the situation as “super scary.” The response to the shooting has led to increased police patrols in the area, marking the first homicide in Boulder in 2026.

Official Statements and Investigation Efforts

District Attorney Michael Dougherty emphasized the gravity of the event, stating, “This is an incredibly tragic event… We are very likely going to solve this crime, and I promise we will hold the shooter or shooters fully accountable for the devastation and trauma they’ve caused.”

CUPD and the Boulder Police Department continue to encourage witnesses and anyone with information, including photos or videos from the party, to come forward.

If you can assist in the investigation or recognize the individuals of interest, you are urged to contact Boulder PD dispatch at 303-441-3333, referencing case number 26-10148.