Church attacks believed linked
Gunman among 5 dead in assaults at center, church
By Ivan Moreno, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Kevin Vaughan, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published December 10, 2007 at 12:30 a.m.
Updated December 10, 2007 at 12:42 p.m.
Photo by Linda McConnell, Special to the Rocky / Linda McConnell/ Special to the Rocky
An investigator checks out a home in 10900 block of East Berry Place in Centennial late Sunday night. ATF, Arapahoe County Sherrif's officials and Centennial Police officers searched the home at that location in connection with two church shootings earlier in the day.
Photo by Darin McGregor / The Rocky
A bullet hole can be seen Sunday in the center of the rear driver-side door of a gray Ford Explorer parked down the street from New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
Photo by Ahmad Terry / The Rocky
Police respond to New Life Church in the north end of Colorado Springs on Sunday after a gunman shot five worshippers before being shot to death by a security officer.
Investigators had reason to believe deadly shootings Sunday at a Christian missionary center in Arvada and a Colorado Springs evangelical church may be linked - and witnesses in both incidents described a gunman wearing a dark "beanie" hat and a dark jacket.
The twin outbursts of violence, a little more than 12 hours apart, turned a day of worship into a day of unexplained tragedy and left five people dead and five others wounded, one of them critically.
Among the dead was the gunman in the incident at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, who was killed by a female security guard after he'd shot five people there.
By Sunday evening, investigators had unspecified indications the two incidents could be linked.
"There is a reason to believe that," Arvada police Chief Don Wick said, but he would not elaborate.
"Those are leads we're following up," he said when pressed.
Investigators executed a search warrant Sunday night on a home in the 10900 block of East Berry Place in Arapahoe County. Police took several boxes of items from the home before wrapping up the search shortly before dawn today.
Shortly before noon today, CBS 4 News identified the New Life Church gunman as Matthew J. Berry, 24, whose last known address was the home on East Berry Place.
The first shooting, about 12:30 a.m., left two dead and two wounded at the Youth With a Mission center in Arvada. The second, just after 1 p.m. at New Life Church left three dead, including the gunman, and three others injured.
Among the dead were a young woman from Minnesota and a young man from Alaska who came to Colorado to learn how to share their religious faith with others.
The group that operates the Arvada center has a small office on the grounds of the Colorado Springs church.
The gunman who opened fire in Arvada was described as white, in his 20s, and wearing a dark beanie and a dark jacket. He may also have had a beard and worn glasses, although witnesses were less sure about that.
The Colorado Springs gunman was wearing a black beanie and a long black coat, Christina Wilke, whose car was hit by gunfire, told the Rocky Mountain News.
The FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were assisting in the investigation. Several suspicious devices were found at the Colorado Springs church, but they turned out to be smoke bombs, Police Chief Richard Myers said.
"They came to church with their families to worship, and what happened today was a tragedy," New Life's senior pastor, Brady Boyd, said of those cut down by bullets. "As a pastor, my heart is broken today for people that lost their lives."
And while the possible link between the two incidents was unexplained Sunday, it was clear that two acts of violence at places of faith unnerved many people.
"I was completely shocked that someone would try to do this at a church," a shaken Ashley Gibbs said Sunday, several hours after witnessing the Colorado Springs shooting.
Sometime around midnight Saturday a young man - described by one witness as a "regular kid" - knocked on the door at the Youth With A Mission center, 12750 W. 63rd Ave., and asked if he could use the bathroom. Once inside the center, part of an international Christian missionary training program, he asked if he could spend the night.
He talked with staff members for about 30 minutes, but eventually Tiffany Johnson, the hospitality director, told the man that the building was not a shelter and that he could not stay there. According to Peter Warren, director of Youth with A Mission Denver, the man's response was swift.
"Then this is what I've got for you," the gunman reportedly said, opening fire with a handgun and then fleeing.
Warren, who was not there, was given a detailed description by other students of what happened.
Johnson, a 26-year-old from Minnesota, and Philip Crouse, 24, of Alaska both died after being rushed to area hospitals. Dan Griebenow, 24, of South Dakota was in critical condition and Charlie Blanch, 22, was in fair condition.
Several of those who were at the center recognized the gunman - he had hung out there on Saturday, said Cheryl Morrison, whose husband, George Morrison, is pastor of the Faith Bible Chapel, about 300 yards away.
"A terrible tragedy has taken place in our community," Arvada Mayor Bob Frie said.
The investigation into the Arvada shooting was in full force when trouble was reported at 1:13 p.m. at New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway on the north end of Colorado Springs.
Gibbs, one of the witnesses, was heading to her car when she saw a man walking toward the east entrance firing a "big" gun.
Inside the church, Boyd - who took over as senior pastor 31/2 months ago - heard gunshots.
"What I observed from my window was surreal," Boyd said, without elaborating.
The man shot five people before an armed security officer confronted him.
She shot and killed the gunman and probably, in the estimation of Chief Myers, "saved many lives today."
He called it "a tragedy that could have been much worse than it was."
Until this morning, Colorado Springs police refused to release any details about those who were shot there except to say that one victim died at the church, one was treated at the scene and three others were rushed to the hospital, where one died about 10:10 p.m.
Shortly before 9 a.m. today, authorities identified the dead as two teenage sisters -- Stephanie Works, 18, and Rachael Works, 16. The three other church members were recovering from injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Late Sunday night, ATF agents went in and out of the two-story brick home on East Berry Place as they conducted the search.
A neighbor, Jay Hopko, said that he did not know the names of the people who lived there but that he often saw a father and his college-aged son out in front, tossing a baseball back and forth.
New Life was founded by the Rev. Ted Haggard, who was fired last year after a former male prostitute alleged the two had a three-year cash-for-sex relationship.
Haggard, then the president of the National Association of Evangelicals, admitted committing undisclosed "sexual immorality."
The church is one of Colorado's largest with about 10,000 members.
Boyd was hired in August to take over for Haggard.
All four of those who were shot in Arvada were staff members at Youth With A Mission, said Paul Filidis, a Colorado Springs-based spokesman for the group.
Youth With A Mission was started in 1960 as a way to get young people involved in short-term Christian missionary work. The organization has more than 16,000 staff members in 1,180 centers. It trains more than 25,000 people annually.
About 300 young people are trained each year at the center in Arvada, Filidis said.
Mimi Martin, who lives near the center, had received a call from police about 9 a.m. warning her to lock and doors and windows.
"Why would anybody want to hurt those kids," Martin asked. "I just pray for their families."
The dormitory is on the campus of the Faith Bible Chapel, but is not affiliated with the church.
As authorities searched for answers to two crimes that defied explanation, perhaps nothing illustrated just how bizarre the day was than a plea issued by Arvada police Chief Wick.
All faith-based communities, he said, should be on the lookout for trouble.
Two church shootings
12:30 a.m. - Arvada police receive a call about a shooting at Youth With A Mission. Two people were killed and two were wounded.
1:10 p.m. - Colorado Springs police receive a call of an "active shooter" at New Life Church. Two church members were killed and three were wounded. A lone gunman was killed by a security guard.
Arvada shooter description:
A white male possibly 20 years of age. He was wearing a dark colored jacket and dark colored beanie AKA skull cap. He may have had a beard and may have worn glasses.
Colorado Springs shooter description:
None given
If you have information about either shooting, call:
Arvada police at 720-898-6900
Colorado Springs police at 719-444-7000
Staff writers Tillie Fong, Julie Poppen, Jean Torkelson and John C. Ensslin and the Associated Press, CBS 4 News and The Gazette contributed to this report.
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December 10, 2007
7:49 a.m.
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Wapitislayer writes:
Sounds like his mind was made up on what he was going to do. For you to say that if they would have let him stay none of this would have happened is stupid.
December 10, 2007
8 a.m.
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SteleX1 writes:
Ok moron... I doubt a 'homeless' guy would be looking for shelter with his handgun in the middle of a blizzard at midnight. Then, you are saying after looking for shelter and killing 2 people (at a dormatory full of young men and women), he went to his cardboard box under I-25 and got his automatic assult rifle and teleported 70 miles south to New Life to shoot some more people? Oh yeah, and somewhere in there he also picked up multiple smoke bombs. I believe if they did give him a place to stay he would have killed a lot more and we would be reading about an ongoing hostage situation right now. So you would want a church dorm responsible for your daughter housing homeless people? People like you need to "rethink" what comes out of there mouth. Stop trying to sound intelligent and start thinking about what you say instead of copying the media. Grow a brain.
December 10, 2007
8:03 a.m.
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timandang writes:
It is very unwise to make judgements on situations you know nothing about. It is also very ignorant to make a ridiculous statement like the one above, knowing nothing about the circumstances surrounding the reason(s) that the gunman was not allowed to stay the evening at the base. That base is a training facility for people who volunteer their time to come and learn how to best care for the world's most "downtrodden" and spread the love of Jesus Christ. Many of those volunteers dedicate the rest of their lives to following after this goal. Anyone who would shoot and kill multiple people obviously had some problems prior to asking them if he could stay the night and came prepared to snap with a loaded gun. I would say that he was probably looking for a reason to unload his rage to begin with. Also, anyone who would read all of the reports and see all of the news coverage about what this ministry dedicates their time to, then choses to make a statement like the one above, comes to the table with issues and ideals against Christians and needs to be shown the true and genuine love that Christ demonstrated for us.
We need to continue to pray for the mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who have lost family members in this senseless outrage and not complain and use this as a time to get on a soap box about ideals we disagree with. Lord save us all from the darkness that fills this world and help us to show your loving light to all of those who need it.
December 10, 2007
8:13 a.m.
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RockyMtnMan writes:
Someone who carries a concealed handgun into a peaceful residence has already "snapped". I find it hard to believe that if Froward69 had some daughters sleeping in their bedrooms, he would let a stranger off the streets spend the night. I agree that Christians need to help others in their times of need, but also need to be cautious of the dangers that are a part of this society.
December 10, 2007
9:12 a.m.
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coloradoismyhome writes:
Obviously Forward69 has been hurt by a Christian(s) somewhere in his past and he is angry. His words were meant to show his distain for Christians and he was successful. Stop saying that you will pray for him - God knows the guy. Maybe he is a she? His/her questions are not for any of us to answer - there is Another One who will be able to clear things for this person.
Colorado seems to be in the news a lot and it is often horrible things. Now the world thinks "they're killing Christians in Colorado". In the streets of Allahland there are people cheering for this great victory. Where is the outrage from the non-Christian people - specifically the Islam community?
December 10, 2007
9:20 a.m.
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blacksho89 writes:
I am thankful that the armed psychopaths that froward allows in his(?)bedroom nightly have not yet killed him and his family.
December 10, 2007
10:01 a.m.
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CWW writes:
And thank goodness there WAS an armed guard at that church. It could have been another massacre like Virginia Tech. Too bad the guard didn't take out the slimebag sooner. She saved a lot of lives.
December 10, 2007
10:04 a.m.
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coloradoismyhome writes:
Artstarzz,
Yes this is the same church with the gay pastor (Ted Haggard) who humiliated his family and flock with his hidden life of lies and deceit. You are questioning why guns are needed in church. The answer is they are not. It was however nice that an off duty police officer was in church yesterday. Police usually carry a weapon due to the nature of their employment and potential for retribution from the bad guys they arrest. I know many police officers and they all carry a concealed weapon. I also have read that this church was warned to be on the alert due to the missionary office that they had in common with the one in Arvada. Do you have a problem with all Christians too?
December 10, 2007
10:55 a.m.
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snowbelly writes:
the only group that is ok to insult and defame is christians.the mindless vitriole and hateful bile exhibited by this writer is merely a reflection of what is being taught in schools and endorsed by those who believe senseless violence is justice and everything from a precious heritage should be trampled and destroyed.the killer knew he was going to kill some christians.
December 10, 2007
10:56 a.m.
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Golden writes:
Froward69 - you are an idiot. The person wasn't seeking shelter. He was trying to gain access to the dorm so he could kill people. Why do you atheist profess to be more enlighted and logical, then act so shallow and stupid.
Froward69 doesn't need our prayers. I use my prayers for people that need help, not people who need faith.
Why does every reporter on this story have to bring up Ted Haggard. Because every reporter hates Christians. Every reporter is Froward69. They think the victims and the Church (as a whole) brought this on themselves.
December 10, 2007
11:07 a.m.
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Venus writes:
I have to agree with everyone's opinion about Froward69- This guy seems to have had clear intentions to attack this dorm... Had they allowed him to spend the night, so many more people would be dead...
Artstarzz- It seems that New Life made a proactive decision to have extra security because of the Arvada situation... In one of the articles here, a church director talks about how they decided to take an extra security measure... Plus it is a huge church, over 10,000 members, so they probably have some security on a regular basis...
December 10, 2007
11:22 a.m.
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Steph writes:
Froward69 has it right. Do you think Jesus would have turned the man away? Also, your God must not be very powerful or loving to let worshipers be murdered during a church service. I'm not sure what praying for the poor souls who were killed will accomplish. Has it not occured to any of you that if God (all powerful!) wanted them to survive, that he would have?
December 10, 2007
11:41 a.m.
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coloradoismyhome writes:
Steph has a fantastic point about the WWJD on the guy asking for a place to sleep. Turns out that in retrospect it was likely a good decision to turn him away or much worse could have happened. Who knows why bad things happen? It is OK to question why worshipers are killed. It is OK to question why disease kills millions of people too. I can't wait to ask Jesus face to face why little children are raped and killed and why He didn't stop it. This is a topic more directed at a pastor rather than just a lowly Christian like myself. I don't have the answers to all the world's problems but I can't blame God like you do. Unless of course you are denying His existance. That's OK too. I have to ask if you believe the Big Bang Theory we were forced to learn in school. Did you even think of asking the science teacher where the stuff came from that blew up or do you still swallow this scientific data from the Discovery Channel as proof enough that God is a fairy tale?
December 10, 2007
11:45 a.m.
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olsonmt writes:
This isn't a theological debate, and Steph, you're simply an idiot. If you want attention and want to antagonize Christians, find another forum. Innocent people died. Let's focus on the real issues people.
December 10, 2007
11:49 a.m.
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Steph writes:
No, Coloradoismyhome. I believe things that are proven and logical. I could believe that the world is full of elves and fairies and worship the big Spaghetti Monster in the sky and I would have about the amount of credibility that you do. The fact that you can't question your God about basic beliefs shows that you are more susceptible to believing anything they tell you whether it's true or not (for example: You probably would have asked Haggard why Jesus lets such horrible things happen since he is/was a PASTOR and not a "lowly Christian" like yourself).
"While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity."
December 10, 2007
12:12 p.m.
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olsonmt writes:
Ok, go ahead and find peace, love, and happiness in your world of PROOF and LOGIC. When you can find scientific reasons and causes for the miracle of each, please, share your answers with the world. "Modern" science in centuries past didn't know what it didn't know. What makes you think modern science today has all of (and the only) answers? Steph, did these young kids deserve to die because they are Christians? No, they didn't. Are Christianity or christians perfect? No, but at least our community of believers is trying to become better people and to do good. Your world of agnostics and individualists is only concerned about ego and what feels good. You are apologists who can no longer tell right from wrong. These kids weren't wrong.
December 10, 2007
12:32 p.m.
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Arlowyn writes:
First of all, we are all adults here (I think, I guess you can never be sure), so I'm a little surprised at the name calling.
Secondly, this is a really horrible situation. Maybe it's true that as Christians the people at YWAM should have at least looked into getting this guy a place to stay (or as humans in general). Although the reports say that many people recognized this guy, and he really didn't seem to be homeless. It also is a good point that he was carrying a gun and was probably just looking for the first excuse to use it. But none of us know, and I think our compassion, not our blame should be directed towards those that were victems in this event.
Steph: It is not necessarily a part of Christian theology not to question God. In fact I think it's important. Trust me, those who have lost family members in this are certainly asking God why? But I also think there are answers, and not necessarily that God just doesn't exist.
Would Jesus have let the guy stay? Well if Jesus was who I believe he was he would have known about this man's intentions. I don't know what he would have done. But I don't think that compassion necessarily means being naive, or putting yourself into an unsafe situation.
I would like to say though to olsonmt that theological questions are bound to come out of this issue, and I would even venture further to say that those innocent people who died would have wanted them to.
December 10, 2007
1:01 p.m.
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Finn writes:
Another media outlet is reporting that the gunman is likely the son of a wealthy Denver neurosurgeon. I'm pretty sure he had a place to stay during the so-called "blizzard." Their dormitory is not a shelter. It is their home, and in no way should they risk the safety of its inhabitants by allowing a stranger to sleep there.
December 10, 2007
1:26 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
I love how all the Christians think everyone is out to get them. Forward was wrong in what he said but now all of a sudden all you Christians are better than everyone else? Yes, this was the church that had a gay pastor. No, they shouldn't have allowed the shooter to stay the night. I agree with most Christians in that regard. Innocent people died and that's all that should matter. Who cares if they were Christians, Muslims, or Catholics. Truth is they died and since the shooter was killed we probably won't ever learn why. That's the problem with all these shootings recently... the shooter ends up taking his own life or they are gunned down and we never find the "real truth". No matter what religion you are, you have to pray for these kids. If you are an atheist, at least have a moment of silence or "reflection" for them. All these Christians need to stop bashing all of us for not following their faith.
December 10, 2007
1:32 p.m.
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snowbelly writes:
hey humanists, please take it easy on everybody, kindness is cool,even if it can't be scientifically proven.matt murray was full of hate and will need mercy and forgiveness,so just lighten up on everybody
December 10, 2007
4:05 p.m.
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VeniceMentor writes:
The comments posted by Froward69 on December 10, 2007 at 7:10 a.m. were reckless and stupid. Individuals who think like Froward69 make situations such as this worse with their hatefulness rhetoric. Did Froward69 consider (hypothetically of course, provided they're capable of doing so) the fact that if the "gunman" had been allowed to stay there for the night, that he may have killed a lot more people? Of course not, because he'd/she'd rather blame the "Christians for not being "generous of spirit". Give it a rest! I am sure people who know you are aware of your biased and ridiculous opinions and probably sick of them.
December 10, 2007
6:42 p.m.
GeneralDissaray writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
December 10, 2007
11:02 p.m.
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INTENCE writes:
I,AM SAD THAT THIS HAPPENS, BUT GLAD FOR ONCE- SOMEBODY ELSE HAD A GUN,BESIDES THE KILLER.