Latest news with #ElPasoCounty
CBS News
04-07-2025
- CBS News
Highway 85 in southern Colorado closed after deadly shooting and patrol vehicle crash
A portion of Highway 85 in southern Colorado has been closed after a deadly shooting and crash that happened overnight. According to CBS affiliate KKTV in Colorado Springs, El Paso County Sheriff's deputies received a call about a robbery around 10:45 p.m. Thursday. When deputies arrived, they said they found two people dead with apparent gunshot wounds. Deputies said they are searching for a person of interest in connection with the shootings. While investigating the shootings, deputies said a suspected drunk driver crashed into a patrol vehicle. A deputy was treated on scene for minor injuries, according to the sheriff's office. The Colorado State Patrol is investigating that crash and said drivers could expect that portion of the highway near Man Street to be closed for several hours.
CBS News
27-06-2025
- CBS News
Co-owner of Colorado funeral home sentenced after guilty plea on federal charges
Jon Hallford, the co-owner of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in southern Colorado, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in federal court on Friday. He pleaded guilty last fall in connection with misusing federal pandemic relief funds in regard to his business. Jon Hallford El Paso County Sheriff's Office Jon Hallford's wife, Carie Hallford, withdrew her guilty plea in federal court earlier this year and will instead go to trial. The trial date in federal court has been scheduled to begin on Sept. 8. The Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose CBS The couple faced charges in an indictment from the federal government for allegedly misspending nearly $900,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. They each pleaded guilty to defrauding customers in October 2024. As part of the plea agreement, Jon and Carie Hallford each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Carie Hallford El Paso County Sheriff's Office The Hallfords were charged with their alleged failure to bury or cremate the bodies of people, even though they received money for those services. The federal indictment arrived after the investigation into the funeral home began in early October 2023, when neighbors reported a foul odor to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office. Investigators discovered at least 190 improperly stored bodies inside the building, which was demolished last year. The couple was arrested in Oklahoma in November 2023. Jon and Carie Hallford have pleaded guilty to hundreds of state charges in Colorado, including abuse of a corpse, forgery and money laundering. Jon Hallford is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22.
CBS News
23-06-2025
- CBS News
Colorado Springs police shoot, kill suspect who fired on officers, police say
Police in Colorado Springs said officers shot and killed a suspect who fired at them. The shooting happened early Monday morning at an apartment complex in the 1400 block of Michelle Court. Colorado Springs police say they shot and killed a suspect who shot at officers early Monday morning. CBS Officers said they were called to the apartment complex just after 1 a.m. Monday for shots fired. When police arrived, they found an adult male with a gun. Officers said they ordered the man to drop the weapon, but instead, the man raised the gun toward officers and fired at least one shot. Police in Colorado Springs shot and killed a suspect who they say fired a gun at officers early Monday morning. CBS According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, at least two officers fired at least one shot each, hitting the man. The suspect was declared deceased on the scene. No officers were hurt in the shooting. In accordance with Colorado law, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigative agency in the case. Within 21 days, the Colorado Springs Police Department will release the body cam video.
Fox News
19-06-2025
- Fox News
Hiker found dead after dayslong search in notorious mountain range
An extensive four-day search for a New Hampshire man who had been missing in a notorious range of the Rocky Mountains ended in tragedy earlier this week. Russell Hardy, 55, set out on a hiking adventure on Pikes Peak, in the front range of the Rockies, after arriving in Colorado on June 10, according to the El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff's Office. He began his hike the next day, and was meant to return home by June 12, but never did. Pikes Peak stands at 14,110 feet, making it one of the tallest mountains in the United States. When Hardy's family reported him missing on June 13, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, alongside the Teller County Sheriff's Office, launched a joint search-and-rescue operation to locate him. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said that the massive search involved teams from both law enforcement agencies who used K-9 teams and drones in their attempt to locate Hardy. On Monday, a hiker discovered Hardy's body near the summit of Pikes Peak in El Paso County. Police say foul play is not suspected. "While there is no indication of foul play, this appears to be a tragic outcome of a man confronting the challenges of nature," the sheriff's office said. "Our deepest condolences are with Mr. Hardy's family during this difficult time," said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. "Although this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the dedication shown by everyone involved remains deeply appreciated. Over 100 volunteers from agencies across the Pikes Peak region assisted in the search, braving varying weather conditions and challenging terrain for the mission. "On behalf of myself and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all deputies, volunteers, rangers, and support personnel who committed themselves to this effort." In a Thursday morning release, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said the Army Reserve helped recover Hardy's body. "At the request of local authorities, Army Reserve aviation assets from Charlie Company, 7–158th General Support Aviation Battalion supported a recovery operation on Pikes Peak," said Captain Britney Tingstrom of the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Officer. "The mission was conducted in coordination with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and El Paso County Search and Rescue to assist in the safe retrieval of a deceased individual from a remote location. The sheriff's office said it is continuing its investigation and that the county coroner's office will soon officially confirm Hardy's identity.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Noise complaints over YouTubers in neighborhood
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Complaints from neighbors in Black Forest say YouTubers in their area are making too much noise. However, the group behind the videos say they are doing what they can to address the concerns. YouTube Channel JStu Studios has more than ten million subscribers, and they have been making content out of a neighborhood in Black Forest for over two years. They say they always had a good relationship with neighbors until recently. 'We don't feel as welcomed by the neighbors anymore,' said Justin Stuart, Co-owner of JStu Studios. Neighbors say despite the large properties, sound can travel throughout the forest. 'I have heard from other neighbors that we have had some extra traffic across the road driving down our neighbor's driveway,' said Cody Buck, a nearby neighbor who said he doesn't have an issue with the studio. Stuart told FOX21 News that they have owned the land for a couple of years but recently built on it, and those renovations finished just about a month ago. That's when the complaints began. 'This build took a long time to put together, and so we weren't really in charge of any build trash that went around the neighborhood or anything like that, because we try and keep all our stuff in order,' said Stuart. When they first began filming in the area, they said they went around to neighbors to explain what they would be doing on the property. 'Our initial interaction with the neighbors was super good, but come to find out, two and a half years later, to our surprise, it wasn't the case, that they weren't too receptive of us, unfortunately,' said Stuart. Stuart says they want to maintain the peace in the area and are happy to help find a solution. 'We want to be able to work out any difficulty with anybody, whether that's with family members, friends… communication is key, right?' said Stuart. Now Stuart says they might just end up selling the property to keep everyone living in the area happy. 'It's definitely sad for us because we put a lot of time, effort, and money into this project and we've only been here for a month,' he said. However, one anonymous neighbor who is primarily raising the concerns said: 'The constant traffic from their 15-20 full time employees and regular construction of their large-scale buildings and sets has caused a major inconvenience to the neighbors and disrupted the peace and quiet we once had. Furthermore, we are concerned that their un-permitted buildings and sets will eventually cause someone to get hurt.' But not all of the surrounding neighbors want them to leave. 'I don't have a problem with it, I'm out here to enjoy my land,' said Buck. To appease neighbors who disagree, Buck suggested the creators find some solutions like soundproofing their building and finding set times of the day for them to film. 'We totally understand, and we want to work it out in the best way possible with you guys,' said Stuart. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
