Thornton man arrested in fatal Boulder party shooting

Boulder residents have a suspect in custody following the first homicide of the year, which killed a student at a private residence in the University Hill neighborhood. The arrest marks a development in the investigation into the shooting that occurred late Saturday night.

Boulder Police Department spokespersons announced on Monday that Omar Perez, 18, of Thornton, was taken into custody earlier in the day. He faces first-degree murder with extreme indifference and attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference. Officials confirmed Perez is not enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder. While detectives consider the possibility of charging additional individuals, the department believes Perez was the only person who fired a weapon.

The incident began around 11:28 p.m. on Saturday at a home near 7th and Marine streets. Police had previously responded to the address for a noise complaint after hundreds of people gathered for a Halloween celebration. Officers cited several attendees and shut down the party, leaving a smaller group inside the house. According to the police release, a group of individuals later tried to force entry into the home. A scuffle followed, and shots were fired inside, striking two victims before the suspects fled.

Police found two 19-year-old male CU students with gunshot wounds at the scene. Both were transported to a hospital for treatment. One man died of his injuries early Sunday. The second victim was listed in critical condition as of a Sunday update, though his current status is not yet known. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased at a later time. Both victims’ families have requested privacy and have declined media inquiries.

Detectives have interviewed approximately 20 witnesses and are seeking two other people of interest for questioning. One is described as a man with facial hair and short dark hair, wearing a red hoodie under a black jacket. The second has short dark hair and was wearing a black t-shirt with an Art the Clown design. Police released doorbell video showing these individuals leaving the home and returning inside. The department asks anyone who recognizes the men or attended the party to call 303-441-3333 and submit photos or videos online.