Woodland Park, CO — A custody exchange turned deadly on Friday evening at the City Market parking lot in Woodland Park, Colorado, where a man was fatally shot during an altercation. Authorities have confirmed that the shooting appears to stem from a self-defense situation.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), now leading the case, reported that the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Gold Hill Place South. Witness accounts and police findings revealed that three adults—Luis Morales, 28, the child’s biological father; the child’s mother; and her boyfriend, 29—had gathered for the exchange.
Tensions escalated after Morales threatened the mother’s boyfriend during a heated argument that turned physical. According to investigators, the boyfriend drew a firearm and fired a single shot, striking Morales.
Despite receiving immediate first aid and being transported to a hospital in Colorado Springs, Morales succumbed to his injuries.
The boyfriend, whose name has not been released, remained at the scene and has cooperated fully with law enforcement. Authorities confirmed that he was released pending further investigation.
“The suspect has been forthcoming, and we are working closely with the Woodland Park Police Department and the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to ensure a thorough and accurate investigation,” the CBI stated in an official release.
While no charges have been filed, the case underscores the importance of lawful self-defense in dangerous situations. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have assured the public that additional details will be shared as they become available.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of custody exchanges and the critical role self-defense laws play in protecting individuals faced with immediate threats.
Taking the ‘boyfriend’ to the child exchange is like putting gasoline on a fire.
You just don’t know the circumstances. We handle the exchange for visitation for our grandson because our daughter is afraid of the guy. The biological father tries to start a fight with us on almost every exchange. It may not have mattered who was there, other than one was armed. We just don’t know what happened in this situation, but I can easily see how this could happen.