Police arrest suspect in deadly Halloween shooting near CU
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Boulder police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a Halloween night shooting on University Hill that killed a University of Colorado Boulder student and critically injured another.
The latest: Omar Perez faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault in connection with the Oct. 31 shooting, according to Boulder County Jail booking records.
- The shooting occurred at a home in the 700 block of Marine Street.
- Perez is from Thornton and isn't a CU student, per Boulder police. His photo is being withheld as the investigation remains ongoing.
What we're watching: Though additional charges are possible for other individuals involved, detectives say Perez was the only shooter.
Catch up quick: Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 11:28pm Saturday and found two 19-year-old men with gunshot wounds.
- Both were taken to a hospital. One died early Sunday, while the other remains in critical condition.
- Police had responded to a large party at the same home earlier that night. Detectives say a group of people later tried to force their way inside.
- Authorities haven't disclosed Perez's connection to the victims or the circumstances around the shooting.
By the numbers: The shooting marked Boulder's first homicide of 2026, according to Boulder police Chief Steve Redfearn.
What they're saying: "I'm incredibly proud of our detectives and officers who have worked nonstop since late Saturday to find and arrest this suspect," Redfearn said in a statement.
- "Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and while I hope this arrest restores some measure of safety, I know it will never bring back the life of this young man or undo all the trauma victims have gone through."
Student resources: CU Boulder has activated support services for students affected by the shooting.
- Students who experienced or witnessed the violence can contact the university's Office of Victim Assistance at 303-492-8855 for free, confidential support and trauma counseling. Phone support is available 24/7.
- Students can also contact Counseling and Psychiatric Services at 303-492-2277 for mental health support.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.