Teenager who allegedly attacked woman and killed child near Durango is in custody

LA PLATA COUNTY, Colo. — A 16-year-old boy who allegedly attacked and killed a woman and a 12-year-old boy at a home in southeast Durango Thursday morning is in custody, authorities said.

According to La Plata County authorities, deputies first learned of the incident when a driver reported being involved in a single-vehicle crash around 7 a.m. Based on a preliminary investigation, authorities believe the suspect fled on foot from a home on Snowy Peaks Way in the Southwest Horizon Ranch subdivision, causing the other driver to crash.

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While details are still being investigated, Ted Holteen of La Plata County said investigators now believe the driver involved in the crash directed a deputy who responded to the nearby home where they saw the suspect fleeing.

At the home, sheriff’s office deputies found a 12-year-old male and female child, who investigators believe was the suspect’s mother, seriously injured. La Plata County authorities said the child had apparent stab wounds and the woman was injured by an attacker who used a blunt object.

The child died from his injuries. The woman was transported to CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango.

Their names were not disclosed.

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for a four-mile radius area around U.S. Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 172, known as Elmore’s Corner, while they searched for the suspect.

About six miles from the scene, a resident spotted the suspect and called 911. La Plata County authorities said the suspect was taken into custody on Escalante Drive near the Rocket Pointe apartments after deputies used a Taser.

The map below shows the crime scene (right end of white line) and where he was arrested (left end of white line and red pin).

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The name of the suspect was not disclosed due to his young age.

This remains an active investigation. Denver7 will share new or updated information as it becomes available.