Colorado authorities have arrested 18-year-old Omar Perez in the fatal shooting of University of Colorado Boulder student Luca Hanlon at an off-campus Halloween party. Perez is being held without bond while prosecutors consider additional charges in the case. Police said a sister’s recognition of clothing in released images and data from a family tracking app helped investigators locate him.
The shooting occurred late Oct. 31 in Boulder’s University Hill neighborhood after officers had earlier responded to the same residence for a noise complaint. Hanlon, 19, died the next day, while another 19-year-old student was wounded in the leg.
Investigators have identified everyone shown in security footage and photographs released after the shooting, though authorities have not said whether the other people will face charges. Perez’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2027.
| 1) | Late-night confrontation follows earlier police response |
| 2) | Two students are shot at the residence |
| 3) | Family tracking information leads police to suspect |
| 4) | Perez faces serious charges and a future hearing |
| 5) | Hanlon is remembered by family, friends and university |
Late-night confrontation follows earlier police response
Boulder police first went to a home near Marine Street at about 9:58 p.m. on Halloween after receiving a noise complaint. Officers issued a nuisance-party citation, and hundreds of people left the gathering. About 90 minutes later, at 11:28 p.m., police returned following a report of gunfire.
According to an arrest affidavit, witnesses said Perez was among those who initially left but came back with six other people. The group was asked to leave again, and an argument escalated into a physical confrontation inside the home and on the front porch. One witness described Perez as wearing a SWAT-style uniform and a mask resembling one from the film franchise “The Purge.”
Two students are shot at the residence
The affidavit alleges that a resident placed Perez in a headlock during the confrontation. Perez then allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired. Hanlon was struck in the neck, and another 19-year-old student was hit in the leg.
“Oh, I could shoot this place up,” one witness told investigators that Perez allegedly threatened before the shooting.
Hanlon was taken for medical care but died the following day at Boulder Community Health. Police have not released additional information about the surviving victim, citing privacy concerns. The shooting took place at a private residence near the University Hill area, not on university property.
Family tracking information leads police to suspect
After Perez was arrested, detectives sought help identifying three other people shown in photographs and video. Those individuals included two males, one wearing an “Art the Clown” shirt and another in a red hoodie, as well as a female witness. Police later confirmed that everyone depicted in the released material had been identified, but the investigation remained active.
The affidavit says Perez’s sister recognized his clothing in images released by police and contacted investigators. She then checked the family’s Life360 tracking application, which indicated that Perez had arrived at the residence around the time of the shooting. The data also traced his movements through Westminster, Arvada and Keenesburg before showing him returning to Thornton, where he was arrested.
Investigators also learned that Perez and others traveled in a newer red Audi sedan. When his sister was picked up from work, she allegedly saw a black mask resembling a “Purge” mask on the floor and noticed three people in the vehicle.
Perez faces serious charges and a future hearing
Perez is charged with murder with extreme indifference, first-degree assault with extreme indifference and attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference. Prosecutors successfully argued that he should remain held without bond. The case is being handled by the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, and a preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 10, 2027.
The affidavit also alleges that Perez bought a 10mm Glock illegally several days before the shooting and posted photographs of it on Instagram. His sister told investigators he had replaced a revolver he reportedly discarded after accidentally shooting himself in the calf on Sept. 26. Prosecutors said additional charges were likely, but no further charges had been announced.
Hanlon is remembered by family, friends and university
Luca Hanlon, of Pennsylvania, was a second-year media production student in the university’s College of Communication, Media, Design and Information. Friends described him as dependable, supportive and deeply admired.
Friend Jack Anderson said Hanlon had been his best friend and someone he hoped to emulate. The university identified Hanlon as a student but had not immediately provided additional comment. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Boulder police at 303-441-3333 or submit a tip through the department’s evidence submission system.
Key Points
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Luca Hanlon, 19, died after being shot at an off-campus Halloween party in Boulder. |
| 2 | Omar Perez, 18, is held without bond on murder and related charges. |
| 3 | A second student was wounded, and police have not released further details. |
| 4 | Perez’s sister helped identify him using clothing and family location data. |
| 5 | His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2027. |
Summary
The investigation into the Halloween party shooting remains ongoing. Perez faces potentially life-altering charges in Hanlon’s death, while prosecutors review whether additional allegations are warranted. Authorities continue to seek information about the events surrounding the confrontation and the people who were present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the shooting?
Luca Hanlon, a 19-year-old University of Colorado Boulder student from Pennsylvania, died after being shot in the neck at an off-campus Halloween party.
Who is charged in the case?
Omar Perez, 18, faces murder with extreme indifference, first-degree assault with extreme indifference and attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference.
How was Perez located?
His sister recognized clothing in police-released images and used the family’s Life360 application to identify his movements around the time of the shooting.
When is the next court hearing?
Perez’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2027.
