Family: Victim In Littleton Shooting Threatened Suspect With Machete
LITTLETON, Colo. (CBS4) - Police believe a man shot and killed a 55-year-old man after the victim threatened the suspect with a machete on Wednesday evening.
Joshua Hoppe, 32, fled the scene, police said, after the altercation. Police issued an arrest warrant for first-degree murder charges for Hoppe, whose 10-year criminal record includes felony convictions for drugs and weapons.
The victim's identity hasn't been released.
Donald and Maria Schenkeir, who live at the home where the shooting occurred, said Hoppe dated their daughter for about 10 years. The victim was a good friend of the daughter and had moved into the house in May.
The shooting happened at approximately 8:05 p.m. in the 500 block of West Peakview Avenue near Broadway and East Arapahoe Road. The Schenkeirs asked Hoppe to move out last year. Since the victim moved in, Hoppe threatened to kill him, Maria Schenkeir said.
Wednesday's confrontation happened when Hoppe approached the home and the victim stepped outside with the machete and a chain.
"I guess Josh, afraid or whatever… he had a gun and shot him once, then took off running," Donald Schenkeir said.
After the victim was shot, he told Maria Schenkeir, "I'm shot," pointing to his chest.
Emergency crews found the victim in the front yard of the home. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Littleton Hospital. A gun was recovered at the scene.
Police describe Hoppe as 5-foot-10 and weighing 200 pounds. He has several tattoos and was wearing blue jeans and a black, long-sleeved shirt.
"Josh will probably be in prison for the rest of his life," Maria Schenkeir said. "It's pure ignorance."
Police said anyone with information should contact Sgt. Joe Ward at 303-795-3884, Detective Jim Patton at 303-795-3893 or call 911.