Colorado woman, 21, is shot dead and her boyfriend is wounded after getting into argument with a man who was angry at them for yelling at their dog to poop on a walk
A Denver woman has been shot dead and her boyfriend wounded when a neighbor became angry at them for yelling at their dog.
Isabella Thallas was shot and killed during the dispute that took place shortly before noon on Wednesday near Coors Field, just days after celebrating her 21st birthday.
Her boyfriend, clothing designer Darian Simon, 26, was wounded in the shooting but survived.
Isabella Thallas, 21, was shot dead and her boyfriend, Darian Simon, 26 (right), was wounded during an argument with a stranger over their dog's going to the bathroom
The moment law enforcement detain Michael Close, 36, for the murder of Thallis
Officers tracked down Close after getting a tip he was heading for the mountains and found an AR-15 in his Mercedes SUV
Police responded to the 2900 block of North Huron Street near Coors Field in Denver Wednesday morning and found one person dead and another wounded
The deadly incident sparked a manhunt in Denver on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of 36-year-old Michael Close, who was charged with first-degree murder in Thallas' killing.
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by The Denver Post, Simon told investigators he and Thallas were taking his dog, purportedly a rescue named Rocco, out for a walk in the 3000 block of North Huron Street at around 11.42am when he yelled at the pooch to poop.
Simon said he then heard a stranger's voice from a ground-level apartment asking if they were going to train their dog to go to the bathroom, or just yell at it instead.
The dog owner said he tried to ignore the man's comments but then saw him point a gun at him, which he initially mistook for a pellet gun.
Moments later, a volley of gunshots rang out, hitting Simon and Thallas. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thallas had just turned 21 years old earlier this week (pictured at her celebration)
Her mother, Ana Thallas (left), wished Isabella (right) and her sister, Lucia (center), who turned 19, a happy birthday in a Facebook post
Simon fled but could not get far because of his injuries. He was taken to a hospital suffering from gunshot wounds to the back and leg. According to the description of a GoFundMe campaign, one of the rounds 'completely shattered' his femur, which will require multiple surgeries to repair.
Simon is the co-owner and co-founder of the clothing label Be a Good Person, which specializes in streetwear.
Police who responded to reports of shots fired learned that the suspected gunman was 'headed for the mountains,' Denver Police Department Division Chief Joe Montoya said during a press briefing.
Neighbor Ronan O’Shea told The Denver Post he heard six to 12 gunshots, followed by a massive police presence.
Thallas was pronounced dead at the scene. She is survived by her parents, a sister and a younger brother
On Thursday evening, a candlelight vigil was held to honor Thallas at the spot where she was shot and killed on Wednesday
Her father, Josh Thallas (left), spoke to the crowd of his overwhelming heartbreak
O'Shea recounted how officers with guns drawn were running through the streets, warning residents of an 'active shooter' and urging them to shelter in place.
Law enforcement officials in Jefferson County later contacted Close, tracked him down to a location near Pine Junction and US 285, and took him into custody at 1.25pm local time.
According to the probable cause statement, officers found an AR-15 and a handgun in the floorboard of the Mercedes SUV that Close was driving. A gun belt and magazines were also recovered from the vehicle.
Close made his initial court appearance on Thursday and was ordered held without bond. He has no prior criminal record in Colorado.
Meanwhile, several hundred people gathered on Thursday evening at the spot where Thallas was shot for a candlelight vigil.
Her parents, Ana Thallas and Josh Thallas, spoke of their heartbreak, 9News reported.
Simon (pictured with his mother) is the co-founder of the clothing brand Be A Good Person. He suffered gunshot wounds to the back and leg
'My heart is broke. I’ve never gone to sleep crying and woke up crying in my life. I’ve been through a lot,' said Isabella's father. 'I can’t replace what was taken today.'
Just two days before the killing, Ana Thallas, a mother-of-three, posted a touching Facebook message wishing happy birthday to her two daughters, Isabella and Lucia, who had just turned 21 and 19, respectfully.
She wrote of Isabella: '21 years ago God Blessed me with you, then came your sister. I believe came along to hold your hand through hard times, when I couldn’t be there for you, so you have a friend for life. You have grown to be a beautiful, smart, amazing woman and I love all 3 of you so very much.'
The proud mother also shared photos from her daughters' joint birthday festivities, complete with an elaborate pink cake, cupcakes and an oversize balloon arrangement.
She wrote in a follow-up post: 'I love you so much and I don’t know what I would do with out you.'
A separate GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family with Isabella's funeral expenses. As of Friday morning, it has raised nearly $50,000.
Colorado woman, 21, is shot dead and her boyfriend is wounded after getting into argument with a man who was angry at them for yelling at their dog to poop on a walk
![Colorado woman, 21, is shot dead and her boyfriend is wounded after getting into argument with a man who was angry at them for yelling at their dog to poop on a walk]()
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June 13, 2020
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