Investigators believe the deaths may be tied to a murder-suicide involving family members.
THORNTON, Colo. — Four people were found dead Friday night inside a home in Thornton after a family member reported multiple unresponsive people, police said.
Thornton police said officers were called shortly after 8 p.m. to a home in the 13900 block of Harrison Street. The case is being investigated as a homicide, with detectives saying early evidence points to a man fatally shooting three relatives before killing himself.
Officers entered the home and found two men, a woman and a juvenile dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police said one of the men, 33, is believed to have shot the others before dying by suicide. The department has not released the names of the four people, saying the Adams County Coroner’s Office must confirm their identities and notify relatives first.
The shooting was discovered after a family member went to the home and believed multiple people inside were unresponsive, police said. Investigators have not said when the shooting happened or what may have led to it. Police also have not said whether officers had been called to the home before Friday night.
Thornton police said there was no known threat to the public after the bodies were found. The department said the scene remained part of an active investigation Saturday as detectives worked to collect evidence, interview people connected to the family and determine a clearer timeline.
“The entire Thornton Police Department is deeply saddened by this tragedy and extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of everyone involved,” the department said. Police said the deaths also affected neighbors and the wider community.
The coroner’s office is expected to release the victims’ names after identification and family notification are complete. Police said the investigation remains ongoing as of May 24, 2026.
Author note: Last updated May 24, 2026.