DA On Aurora Triple Shooting: 'Statutorily Codified Self-Defense'
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - An investigation is underway after a shooting killed one person and injured two others, and the man who fired the gunshots won't face charges.
The shootings happened at Bayberry Condominiums on Kalispell Way in Aurora near Alameda Avenue and Chambers Road. District Attorney George Brauchler made a rare appearance in a news conference about the shooting. He made a point of saying just because three young people were shot the case should get serious attention.
Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz said all three were shot in a 10-by-6 foot space between two doors late Friday night. According to police, two men helping a third move into a condo were stopped by three other younger men who attempted to rob them at gunpoint.
"He produced a handgun and pointed it at the three movers demanding that they give them their money," Metz said.
RELATED: Triple Shooting In Aurora Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Critical
Metz said two of the movers were about to hand over their money, but a third mover had his own gun and used it.
"Fired multiple shots at the three subjects, striking all three," he said. "One of the subjects sustained life-threatening wounds at the scene."
One robbery suspect died on the way to the hospital. A second robbery suspect suffered serious injuries. A third fled, but walked into to Aurora South Medical Center where he was arrested.
The shooter had a concealed to carry weapons permit and put the gun down when he saw officers arriving.
Brauchler says Colorado's self-defense law allows the use of deadly force.
"If you have a weapon on you and you are placed in imminent fear of serious bodily injury or death, you are entitled to defend yourself," Brauchler said.
Brauchler noted it's not a case of Make My Day because the shooting didn't happen inside a residence.
"This is straight up regular common sense and statutorily codified self-defense," he said.
Police were working to identify the three robbery suspect and want the public's help. They are not ready to identify the man who shot them.
