How to support victims' loved ones
In the days since the tragic shootings that killed five beloved community members, many friends are searching for ways to support the families of those who died.
To support all of the victims, the Colorado Healing Fund has activated a fund for them. These funds go directly to the families of those who died, the survivors, and the greater impacted community. A fund was set up earlier in 2021 for the same purposed following the deadly shooting at Boulder King Soopers.
If you want to donate to the Colorado Healing Fund, you can follow this link. Checks and in-person donations will be accepted at Colorado-based FirstBank locations. Donors should make checks out to "Colorado Healing Fund" and write "Denver-Lakewood" in the memo. When depositing the check with bank tellers, designate donations for the Colorado Healing Fund's victim account.
In some cases individual GoFundMe accounts have been started for their families. You can find those links below.
Mental health resources
Many members of our communities were impacted by these shootings, and there is help out there.
The Lakewood Police Department has set up a resource center for Thursday, Dec. 30 and Friday Dec. 31. It's located across from the Hyatt House in Belmar. The building says "Core Cycling and Wellness" on it and the address is 7349 W. Alaska Dr. in Lakewood. The center will be open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are trauma resources and mental health therapist available to the public. The department says no one will be turned away.
These mental health resources are available 24/7:
Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or you can also chat with the Lifeline.
Details of the tragedy
DENVER — Notes of sadness, loss, love, and devastation covered social media following the shooting deaths of five people Monday, December 27 in Denver and Lakewood. Another man and a Lakewood police officer were also hurt in the attack. The injured officer shot and killed the suspect in an exchange of gunfire, officials announced.
The shootings started in Denver shortly after 5 p.m. Monday along Broadway near 1st Avenue. Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen said that is where two women were killed and a man was injured.
On Tuesday afternoon, candles and flower bouquets rested in the doorway of Sol Tribe Custom Tattoo and Body Piercing. Owner of the shop, 44-year-old Alicia Cardenas, was one of the victims of the shooting. A GoFundMe has been set up in her name to help support Cardenas' family and 12-year-old child.