AURORA | A man shot and killed by police Saturday night had fatally stabbed his girlfriend and attacked the woman’s mother before an officer gunned him down, police said.
The man, whose name was not released, was attacking his girlfriend in front of her home on the 700 block of Kenton Street when police arrived around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz said during a press conference Monday that an officer ordered the man to drop a large knife but the man refused, after which point the officer shot him.
“This was a helpless victim who was being viciously attacked,” Metz said.
AUDIO: The 911 call for the homicide and officer-involved shooting [YouTube] (Warning: Disturbing content)
The officer is a 12-year veteran who has been involved in one prior shooting, Metz said. As is standard policy, the officer has been placed on paid leave during the investigation.
Metz said the officer likely saved other people’s lives by shooting the man. The woman’s mother, who had already been stabbed, was going outside to confront the attacker, and other neighbors told police they were on the verge of confronting the man when officers arrived.
Also Monday, police released the 911 call the mom made during the attack. On the recording, the woman tells a dispatcher that someone attacked her and her daughter and she needs police assistance.
“He stabbed my daughter and me over here at my house,” she said.
Later, the woman screamed that the man was getting more knives.
“He’s killing my daughter,” she screamed.
Near the end of the phone call, two gunshots can be heard.
Police have not released the name of the woman who was killed, but the mother of the victim confirmed to Sentinel news partner Denver7 News that she was 28-year-old Mireya Ramirez. Metz said she had been dating her attacker for several weeks.
Aurora police Commander Rob McGregor said the attack started inside the home and the woman was able to break free and run outside. The attacker followed her and continued the attack outside, McGregor said.
Police had been to the home on a domestic violence call earlier this year, McGregor said, but he wouldn’t say whether that call involved either the suspect who was shot or the victim.
Metz said in domestic violence homicide cases, there is almost always a history of violence that precedes the fatal attack.
Especially around the holidays, Metz said it’s important for people who may think someone they know is being abused, or if they themselves are being abused, to contact police or some professional assistance.
“Domestic violence is unfortunately alive and well in our community,” he said.
Carol O’Shea, victims services advocate for Aurora police, said people who want to report domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Gateway battered Women’s Shelter at 303-343-1851.
Great job A.P.D., the deceased suspect was a monster!
Be safe all LEO’S