Now, the Westminster Police Department has shared its view about how they got that way -- a failed murder-suicide, with Christopher Thomas Mainock, 22, wielding the weapon.
The WPD release below reveals that the relationship between Mainock and the still-unidentified woman had ended prior to time when the fatal shot flew. As for what preceded this lethal act, Mainock has also been charged with sexual assault.
Here's the aforementioned release, followed by a larger look at Mainock's booking photo and our earlier coverage.
Westminster Police Department release:On March 24, 2011 Westminster Police Officers responded on a suspicious vehicle in the 11000 blk. of Stuart St. Upon contact with that vehicle, officers located a deceased female and an injured male.Original item, 1:29 p.m. Thursday, March 24: Early this morning in Westminster, police discovered two people in a car parked on the 11000 block of Stuart Street. One was dead, the other seriously injured. However, cops say they're not looking for additional suspects.It was determined the male subject killed the female subject and then caused self inflicted wounds to himself.
The victim and the male subject had been in a previous relationship; however they were no longer involved in that relationship.
On March 26, 2011 Westminster Police arrested Christopher Thomas Mainock, DOB/11-11-1988, on the following charges:
CRS 18-3-102 -- 1st Degree Murder -- F1
CRS 18-3-402(5)(A)(III) -- Sexual Assault -- F3
Mr. Mainock is currently being held at the Adams County Detention Facility with no bond.
So did this pair attack each other in a fit of mutual rage or by pre-arrangement?
No telling based on the information being shared to date by the Westminster Police Department. That's followed by an interactive graphic showing the area near the scene of the incident; if you have problems seeing the image, click "View Larger Map."
Westminster Police Department release:
On March 24, 2011 at about 12:40 A.M. the Westminster Police Department was notified of a suspicious vehicle in the 11000 block of Stuart Street. Officers who arrived on scene located a deceased person and an injured person inside the car. The injured person was transported to a local hospital and is in serious condition.The police department is still working to determine the relationship between the two people inside the car; however we are not currently looking for any additional suspects.
The identities of those involved are not being released because this is an active investigation.
Detectives are working to get a search warrant for the vehicle at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Westminster Police Department Detective Lynch 303 658 4244.
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More from our Mile High Murder archive: "Daryl Rasmussen, aka Ms. Puppy, sought in Ronald Ford-Ramiro Sanchez killings (55, 63)."
