CU Boulder Student Killed : Another Critically Injured in Halloween Party Shooting
A University of Colorado Boulder student died and another was critically injured after a shooting at a University Hill home late Saturday, October 31, 2026. Both victims were men aged 19.
The shooting happened in the 700 block of Marine Street, near Seventh Street and west of campus. Police had visited the house earlier that evening after receiving a noise complaint about a large Halloween party.
Authorities said one student died at the hospital early Sunday. The other remained in critical condition in the November 1 police update.
Police Return After Halloween Party Ends
Officers initially responded to the house around 10 p.m. The gathering had drawn hundreds of people and included a live band. Police issued a nuisance party citation, and most attendees left. A smaller group stayed inside.
During that first visit, officers also took an intoxicated person into protective custody. The party had been registered in advance, according to details provided at a Sunday news conference.
At approximately 11:28 p.m., police received reports of gunfire at the same address. Investigators believe a group had tried to force its way into the home before shots were fired inside.
Officers arrived in less than two minutes and found the two wounded students. They applied a tourniquet to one victim before both were taken to the hospital.
Police Chief Stephen Redfearn described the death as Boulder’s first homicide of 2026. The November 1 police statement did not identify a shooter or give a motive for the gunfire.
Investigators Ask Public to Identify Two Men
Detectives interviewed approximately 20 witnesses and released photographs and video showing people they want to speak with about the shooting.
One man had short, dark hair and facial hair. He wore a red hooded sweatshirt beneath a black jacket. The other had short, dark hair and wore a black shirt featuring Art the Clown, along with a silver colored chain necklace.
Police described the two men as persons of interest. That description does not establish that either man fired a weapon or committed a crime.
Investigators also want to speak with other people visible in footage from the party. Anyone who attended, recognizes the men or has information can contact Boulder Police dispatch at 303 441 3333.
Photos and videos can be submitted through the department’s online evidence portal. Police are asking witnesses to share material that could help establish what happened inside the home and identify those involved.
Redfearn expressed sympathy for the victims and everyone affected by the violence. He said police were working to find those responsible and hold them accountable.
Support Available for the CU Boulder Community
Students affected by the shooting can contact university support services. The Office of Victim Assistance provides confidential support, advocacy and counseling for students, faculty and staff dealing with traumatic events.
The office can be reached at 303 492 8855. Its services include help understanding available resources and navigating academic, medical or reporting processes after a distressing experience.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services offers confidential mental health support for CU Boulder students at 303 492 2277. The university lists phone support as available around the clock.
The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the student who died. Police continue to seek witnesses as they work to determine who was responsible for the shooting.
