Popping noises proved to be fatal shots at Lakewood cop's home
Neighbor initially thought it was sound of fireworks
By Carrie Porter, Rocky Mountain News
Published July 1, 2008 at 7:01 a.m.
Photo by Lakewood Police
Tiffany Cuin-O'Shell, 25
Photo by Lakewood Police
William O'Shell, 36
Kathy Martinez was watching a movie late Sunday night with her son at their Henderson home when, she said, she heard popping noises outside.
She told her son they were fireworks.
"There was a popping noise and then a short pause," Martinez said. "Less than a minute later, I heard another popping noise. But we never heard arguing or fighting."
Those popping noises were gunshots at her next-door neighbors' house.
Lakewood police agent William O'Shell, 36, and his wife, Tiffany Cuin-O'Shell, 25, died in an apparent murder-suicide, police said Tuesday.
O'Shell had served as a Lakewood police agent since March 2005. His wife also worked as a police agent in the same department until September 2007. The couple had a 3-month-old daughter.
Martinez said she saw Cuin-O'Shell's mother visit the home Monday in the 11500 block of River Run Parkway, northeast of Commerce City.
"There was no activity all day on Monday until Tiffany's mom came to visit about 5:15 p.m.," said Martinez.
"Then the cops came about 6 p.m. and the coroner van pulled up near 8 p.m. Our initial concern was for their baby."
Assistant Adams County District Attorney Mike Goodbee said O'Shell was under investigation for child abuse. Authorities had recently removed the couple's daughter from the home.
O'Shell was supposed to have an interview with Commerce City police Monday about injuries the baby suffered recently.
The infant is in foster care, Goodbee said.
Neighbors said Tuesday the couple kept to themselves since they moved into their home almost a year ago.
"Our interaction was minimal, and the husband would rarely make eye contact or wave hello," Martinez said.
Neighbor Ynocente Yasguez said that he was shocked to hear the news.
"I saw the baby when she was 2 weeks old, and the husband came over to eat tacos with me in our garage," he said. "He was a pretty nice guy, not aggressive."
Lakewood Police Chief Kevin Paletta issued a statement Tuesday that said "the men and women of the Lakewood Police Department are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths."
Paletta pledged to assist Commerce City police with the investigation.
porterc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5625 Marilyn Robinson and Bill Scanlon contributed to this report.
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July 1, 2008
8:46 a.m.
Heidi writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 1, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
You're right, RememberThis. It was a tasteless attempt at humor this morning. My day has not started off well.
I apologize to friends and family of the deceased.
July 1, 2008
9:33 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
Nope, not Swiss. Half German.
I guess we are both a couple of sickos. And I definitely am not looking for any type of handouts.
July 1, 2008
10:29 a.m.
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Diff writes:
Explains why this morning on the TV report they noted that the Lic plates on the vehicles in the garage - were taped over - the code of Blue or what ever that cr*p is where the cops help cover for each other...
Tragic however - why if someone is going take them self out - do the they feel they can take someone with them?
July 1, 2008
11:17 a.m.
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redpoppie writes:
? Does anyone have any idea who this is?? I might know them!!!
July 1, 2008
11:23 a.m.
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Who_Me writes:
Heidi,
Would you re-post it?
July 1, 2008
11:32 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
Who_Me,
I made a crack about a statement in the article that is no longer there after they updated it. My comment was not directed towards the victims, rather the writer.
July 1, 2008
11:40 a.m.
BroncoRick69 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 1, 2008
11:58 a.m.
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redpoppie writes:
Nice (BroncoRick)
why is it, only 12 year olds post here.............
a shame.
July 1, 2008
12:44 p.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
lol wow I got censored. What a shame.
July 1, 2008
2:08 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
Half German arent you supposed to be 100% American?
July 1, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
Squatch,
You're right. I am an American, not European-American!
July 1, 2008
2:38 p.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
I bet if guns were banned from everyone except the military and police, this would never have happened...wait..
July 1, 2008
2:43 p.m.
BroncoRick69 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 1, 2008
3:38 p.m.
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COnative writes:
I am appalled by all of the comments posted here related to this article. They are all EXTREMELY disrespectful of the people concerned. I had grown up with Tiffany. Someday, when something tragic happens in any one your lives, maybe you will understand. Until then, continue on in your anonymous bashing of peoples lives. You will never have to personally own up to any comments that you post here, so that makes it ok (or at least that is how you justify it). Or, maybe you could just find something constructive to do with your time (highly doubtful though).
July 1, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
shay writes:
Dickface69, you are an idiot. Two people are dead, a baby has lost both of her parents.A whole town is in disbelief/greiving. Get a life, do something with yourself. I knew Tiffany personally you jerk, actually I knew her very well. She was an amazing person, wonderful Mother, and loved by many.
As for Heidi, tasteless is right. You wouldn't know class if it hit you in your face. You people are sick, and a disgrace to the State of Colorado. Do everybody a favor and find a hobby. I am disgusted. Heidi and Dickbrains should exchange numbers. Maybe get married and move to an isolated island together!! Yes, please do the world a favor and do that!
July 1, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
ha ha, awww, no-one likes what I have to say. I'm sad now. Lets turn it into days of our lives to give it more meaning. People put themselves in bad situations and bad things happen. I hope the kid is able to live a semi-normal life with no parents.
July 1, 2008
3:56 p.m.
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shay writes:
Dick4brains-someday something bad will happen to you,or your family. Maybe then you will grow a heart. Do you read every article where someone has died and slander them? Does that make it hard to sleep at night? I hope so. You are a coward and nothing more. I pray to god you do not have a family of your own. You are sick. Seek help you mental case!!
July 1, 2008
3:58 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
shay,
I understand that you are grieving so will forgive you for your classless personal attack against me. I said nothing derogatory about the O'Shells or the actual incident. Yes, it is tragic, and I have apologized for making a simple joke about the choice of words the writer used.
July 1, 2008
3:59 p.m.
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rurude writes:
This is crazy because if the last names were hispanic; the first question on the blog would be if they were illegal.
On another note;
I really do feel bad for their families - I hope for the best for the poor little baby who will have to have this at their family history.
It is really sad when people can see no other way out of their situation.
July 1, 2008
4:04 p.m.
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shay writes:
Steel, I am very sorry to hear that. That is horrible.
July 1, 2008
4:06 p.m.
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shay writes:
Steel, if you read my comment it was not even directed towards you.
July 1, 2008
4:06 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
steel, sorry to hear that. It doesn't help to be angry at the world, does it?
I hope she didn't leave behind any children like this couple did. How sad.
July 1, 2008
4:12 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
It would be a hard thing to live with, no matter what the circumstances were.
July 1, 2008
4:22 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
Wow, how horrible for you, steel. I can't imagine how that must feel. I would probably be "hardened" as well.
I need to get going here so I will see you around.
July 1, 2008
4:23 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
steel, I am sure you are still fun to party with.
July 1, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Terrible. I certainly hope this baby ends up having a better life than her initial start. Thank God they got her out before she was killed. So sorry for the victim's family. My prayers and heartfelt condolences to you during this sad time.
July 1, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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OpenYourEyes303 writes:
The streets are safer now
July 1, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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Who_Me writes:
The male stresses out, beats the kid, gets caught, and panics because he knows he is screwed with a capital F for what he did to the baby. Mother refuses to cover or lie for him. One (of many prior) heated conversation/argument later, they're both dead. Pretty sad overall.
What do babies do? They cry. If it gets to you, get some help, get someone to come over, ask a friend for a time out, or put the baby in a crib and walk away. Do not shake or beat the baby. Got it? Good.
July 1, 2008
6:11 p.m.
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awhite411 writes:
Another COWARD Pig!
July 1, 2008
9:33 p.m.
mrtaco writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 1, 2008
10:17 p.m.
Mtnmike293 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 1, 2008
10:32 p.m.
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mrtaco writes:
i don't understand what all the self-righteous scolding is about. these weren't model citizens, and at least one of them was a flat out terrible person. this supposed officer of the law had his kid taken away because he and/or his wife beat the kid so badly that even the authorities determined they weren't fit to parent. this guy, and possibly his wife, was/were hypocrites and frauds of a despicable variety. not only did they break the law they were paid to uphold, but what's worse, they did so by beating their own INFANT child. boo hoo? no way - good riddance.
July 1, 2008
11:33 p.m.
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theairdog writes:
John 8:7
July 2, 2008
4:19 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Marrige got nasty; I wonder how the little 3 month old baby recieved the fracture(s)? Hopefully with the parents gone, a good stable family will find room at the kitchen table for those little feet. There will be questions never answered. Pray the little thing grows up with a bright future, especially after such a great loss. There's a path the Lord wants this child to follow, and nobody can tell you what it is. Seen many great things in my lifetime, grow from the ashes of ruin.
July 2, 2008
7:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
sheepherder writes:
awhite411...you are the coward! Posting anonymously with your big words, yep...you sure are a stud. Did it make you feel better to post that? Are you puffing out your chest now? What a moron. Get a life you lowlife puke!
July 2, 2008
7:13 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
mrtaco, I guess I assumed the wife was a victim of domestic abuse, and might have been the one to report her husband's abuse of the baby.
But for all I know, you may be right and they were both in on it. Now that I think about it, I can't understand why the wife would still be living in the same home with him if she did report him - unless she did so anonymously out of fear of retaliation from him.
I guess it's too soon to speculate. There's not enough information being made public yet.
July 2, 2008
7:27 a.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
You know what makes it hard to sleep at night Shay? Knowing that this person that is supposed to have been such a good citizen, held in such high esteem, and expected to uphold the laws of this state could have been a cop in my neighborhood.
July 2, 2008
7:33 a.m.
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T1anda writes:
Parents??? Of course a person is considered innocent until proven guilty!! Shame on that three month old baby girl for breaking her own legs!!
July 2, 2008
8:04 a.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
Doesn't the law say that someone HAS to go to jail on every domestic violence call? Thats standard procedure isnt it? Interesting. I'm pretty sure it also states that there is an automatic restraining order preventing both parties from talking to each other and ordering them to stay at least 500 feet away from each other.
July 2, 2008
8:11 a.m.
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Who_Me writes:
Good point steel. If it had been you or me showing up at the hospital with a baby who had broken legs, we'd be hauled off in a heartbeat. Can't wait to see what the preferential treatment aspect/report is like for this case.
July 2, 2008
8:26 a.m.
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ham writes:
Dear Rocky Mountain News: You should delete every one of these posts. What possible purpose does this forum serve, other than to prove that some humans have an animalistic streak that shows itself when they are allowed to post their worthless thoughts anonymously. This is garbage. It's worse than graffiti.
July 2, 2008
8:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncoRick69 writes:
Ham, sorry that the truth hurts you that much that you have to start crying. Nobody is happy that this happened. It could have been prevented, and should never have happened in the first place. There are people and supposed checks in place that are supposed to prevent something like this from happening. Certainly this kind of behavior is not expected from law enforcement representatives.