AURORA, Colo. — An Aurora mother of two was killed in an act of domestic violence Friday afternoon before the suspect, her children's stepfather, killed himself.
Around 2:57 p.m., Aurora 911 received a call about a domestic violence incident in progress at a home in the 3500 block of South Pitkin Circle.
According to Aurora Police Chief Art Acevedo, the home was occupied by four people — the mother, her 14-year-old son, her 17-year-old daughter, and the stepfather.
Friday afternoon, the mother and stepfather got into a verbal argument. Both walked outside to the driveway, where the stepfather shot the woman before turning the gun on himself, Acevedo said during a press conference.
Both succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased.
Investigators will be at the home for several more hours, the police chief said.
The children were taken to Aurora police headquarters. Acevedo said it appears the two were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
The police chief ended the press conference by urging those who may be abusive relationships to seek help.
"There's help out there. There are shelters out there, there are organizations out there that really can help you. So please come forward," Acevedo said.
If you or someone you know is in a violent or abusive situation, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24/7 at 800-799-7233. You can also contact Gateway Domestic Violence Services' 24-hour hotline at 303-343-1851. For more resources, click here.