Friday ended in tragedy in Rocky Ford after officers responded to a call at a home on the 500 block of North 5th Street, where they found one person dead and another seriously wounded. Responding officers located a 46-year-old man with a fatal gunshot wound and a 42-year-old woman who was taken to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Rocky Ford Police Department as detectives continue to investigate the scene.
What officials say
According to a post from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Rocky Ford officers found the male victim and attempted resuscitation but were not able to save him. The agency said the woman was transported to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center with serious injuries and confirmed that the CBI is assisting the Rocky Ford Police Department with a death investigation. The CBI provides a public contact number for tips and inquiries on its website.
Local response and hospital
The Rocky Ford Police Department, which posts contact information on the city's website, was the initial responder and is working with state investigators. The injured woman was taken to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, where the hospital outlines its emergency services on its site. Local officials have not released additional details about suspects or arrests while the scene is being processed.
Statewide context
Advocates note that incidents like this fall into a larger statewide concern. The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board has documented recent increases in domestic-violence fatalities, and state officials have highlighted firearms as a common factor in many of those deaths. The latest findings and recommendations are detailed by the Colorado Attorney General's office and by Colorado Public Radio.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Rocky Ford Police Department nonemergency line or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The CBI can be reached at 303-239-4201 for tips related to this case.
