DENVER – The Larimer County Coroner has identified the two children and one adult who were killed in a presumed murder-suicide in Fort Collins at the beginning of the month.
Fort Collins Police Services responded to a report of three dead people inside a home off Stratton Drive after receiving a call from man at around 10:25 a.m. on Dec. 3.
When officers arrived, they tried to go into the home but got no response. A SWAT Team was called to help officers get in, but once inside, officers discovered the bodies of two children and one adult, all of whom were deceased.
On Thursday, the Larimer County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 8-year-old Cameron Zipperer and 6-year-old Audrey Zipperer, of Timnath; and Adam Zipperer, 36, of Fort Collins.
Denver7 spoke to neighbor Aubrey Walker, who said the neighborhood is usually peaceful and family-friendly.
"When it's warm there’s hockey games going on, trampolines and lots of kids," she said.
The day of the incident, Walker was shocked to see a large police presence.
"Emergency vehicles pulled up I wasn’t sure what was going on. It's really unnerving, a weird feeling to feel like that happened down the street," she said. "It was sad to think about all the people affected. Our prayers are with the family."
"This is a tragic incident that affects those involved as well as the larger community," said Deputy Chief, Greg Yeager.
A forensic pathologist determined the children died of gunshot wounds and their cause of death was listed as a homicide. The adult man died of a gunshot wound to the head and his manner of death was ruled a suicide.
Police have released no further details in this investigation.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created on behalf of the children's mother. To donate, click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7, visit Colorado Crisis Services, or click here for a list of resources in Colorado.