Suspect arrested after teen killed in shooting at Rotella Park

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting Saturday night in which a teen died and another was injured, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded to a call for shots fired at 11:18 p.m. at Rotella Park, at 1824 Coronado Pkwy., according to the sheriff’s office.

An initial investigation shows that a group of five to seven boys were in the park when a disturbance took place, a sheriff’s office spokesperson said on Monday.

One person pulled out a gun, and two teens were shot. One was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was treated and released, the sheriff’s office said. 

The sheriff’s office said a suspect under 13 years old was arrested Wednesday in connection with the shooting. That person was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile. Because they are under 18, their name is not being released. 

Gina Morales, 16, and Destiny Williams, 17, were at Rotella Park Monday to play cards and hang out while on fall break. They said news of the shooting reinforces a sad truth.

“People of my generation need to focus on their education, not freaking going around shooting people, hurting other people,” Gina said. “Because that’s not cool. That’s not alright.”

“This generation, they don’t care about anyone but themselves,” Destiny said. “They care about street cred more than they care about people’s lives.”

“In this generation, it’s all about violence and there’s nothing really safe to do anymore,” Destiny said. “You step out the door and it’s just violence. Constantly thinking you’re going to get hurt when you step outside and you won’t make it back to your bed.”

“It’s just horrible because people don’t understand the harm they’re doing to other people, putting into other communities. They don’t understand we’re all trying to live our lives and be normal,” Gina said. “They just don’t care.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 303-288-1535.