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- calendar_today November 3, 2026
CU Boulder Student Killed in Halloween Party Shooting
The Boulder County Coroner has identified 19-year-old Luca Hanlon as the University of Colorado Boulder student who was shot and killed during a Halloween party. Hanlon was a second-year media production student in the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information at CU Boulder.
Arrest Made in the Shooting Case
Boulder police arrested 18-year-old Omar Perez of Thornton early Monday morning. Perez is accused of shooting Hanlon and seriously injuring another 19-year-old student on Saturday in Boulder. Police stated that Perez is not a CU Boulder student. He faces charges including:
- First-degree murder — extreme indifference
- First-degree assault — extreme indifference
- Attempted first-degree murder — extreme indifference
Details of the Halloween Night Incident
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Halloween at a registered house party at the intersection of 7th Street and Marine Street in Boulder. The party had drawn hundreds of attendees and a live band. Police responded to the party and issued a nuisance party ticket. After police arrived, most attendees left, but a small group remained.
Roughly an hour after the initial police visit, officers received reports of a shooting at the same location. On arrival, police found Hanlon and another 19-year-old student with gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to the hospital, where Hanlon was later pronounced dead. The other student remains in critical condition.
Investigation and Community Response
According to investigators, over 20 witnesses were interviewed. Witnesses reported that a group of individuals forced their way into the house around 11:30 p.m. and opened fire on the students. Following the incident, Boulder police posted several photos of persons of interest. In a Monday press release, the department indicated others may face charges, but they believe Perez was the sole shooter.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn highlighted the collaborative police response, noting that tips from the community and coordinated efforts with the Thornton Police, Westminster Police, and the Adams County Sheriff's Office led to Perez's arrest within 24 hours of the shooting.
Statements from the University and Police
CU Boulder released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Hanlon's death and gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action. The university is working with its Office of Victim Assistance to support Hanlon's family and others affected by the incident. "Violence in any form has absolutely no place in society," the university emphasized in a social media post, asking for privacy for the families involved.
Boulder Police encourage anyone with additional information about the shooting to contact Boulder Police Dispatch at 303-441-3333.
Related coverage
Source: kdvr.com.
