Colorado Student, 19, Killed in Halloween Party Shooting After Police Shut Down Celebration — Suspect Reportedly Turned In by His Own Sister

A Halloween party near the University of Colorado Boulder campus ended in bloodshed after a group allegedly forced its way back into a house following a police intervention. One student was killed, another was seriously wounded, and the suspected gunman was identified after a startling tip from someone in his own family.

The shooting happened shortly before 11:30 p.m. on October 31 at a home on Marine Street in Boulder’s University Hill neighborhood.

Police had already visited the property earlier that evening after receiving a noise complaint about a large Halloween celebration. Officers cited the residents for hosting a nuisance party, prompting hundreds of guests to leave. A smaller group remained inside the house.

But the night was far from over.

Investigators believe a group of people later tried to force their way into the property. What followed was a confrontation that quickly turned violent.

According to an arrest affidavit, Omar Perez, 18, of Thornton, was among a group of people who entered the house without permission. The group was reportedly told to leave, but Perez allegedly pushed his way back inside after being removed.

A witness described a physical altercation involving Perez and others. The affidavit reportedly states that Perez had made a threatening comment about shooting up the house before the gunfire erupted.

During the confrontation, Perez allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired several shots.

Officers arriving at the scene found two 19-year-old men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were taken to hospital, but one died from his injuries early the following morning.

The victim was later identified as Luca Hanlon, a second-year University of Colorado Boulder student studying media production. According to court documents cited by local media, he had been shot in the chest and neck.

The second student was reportedly shot in the leg and remained hospitalized following the attack.

As investigators searched for those responsible, police released surveillance images of people believed to have information about the shooting. The footage became a crucial part of the investigation.

Then came a tip that reportedly changed everything.

According to the arrest affidavit and local news reports, Perez’s sister recognized him in the images circulated by police and contacted authorities. Her identification helped investigators narrow their search and move toward an arrest.

Perez was taken into custody in the early hours of November 2 in Thornton, less than two days after the shooting. Police said he was not a University of Colorado student and had no official affiliation with the university.

He faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be filed as investigators continue examining the roles of other people allegedly involved.

At a court appearance on November 3, a judge denied a defense request for bail, meaning Perez would remain in custody. Prosecutors also said the investigation was continuing and that more charges were possible.

Police believe Perez was the only person who fired a weapon, although detectives have not ruled out further action against others connected to the confrontation.

The killing devastated the university community. A memorial of flowers, candles and other tributes appeared outside the house where Hanlon was killed. University officials confirmed his death and offered support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy.

Boulder police described the case as an ongoing investigation and urged anyone who attended the party or recorded footage that night to come forward.

For Hanlon’s family and friends, the arrest cannot undo the loss of a 19-year-old whose life ended during what was supposed to be a Halloween celebration. And for investigators, the case is far from over as they work to establish exactly what happened inside the house and whether anyone else should face charges.

Perez has been accused of the crimes and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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