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Police say 95-year-old resident at assisted living facility in Lafayette shot, killed an employee

The Legacy Assisted Living at Lafayette
Posted at 9:58 AM, Feb 03, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-04 11:05:01-05

LAFAYETTE, Colo. — Police said a 95-year-old resident at an assisted living facility in Lafayette shot an employee Wednesday morning. The victim, who police said was shot in the head, died at the hospital later in the day.

Deputy Chief Brian Rosipajla with the Lafayette Police Department confirmed that police responded to Legacy Assisted Living at Lafayette, located along the 200 block of Waneka Parkway, after a shooting was reported around 7:15 a.m. When police arrived, they found a man in his 40s who had been shot. They also found the 95-year-old suspect in his bedroom at the facility. Police took him into custody without incident.

The suspect was later identified as Okey Payne.

Police are investigating what led to the shooting. But police said the suspect told them the victim owed him money. They said they believe the suspect used a small handgun and only one shot was fired. Rosipajla said the shooting happened in a front area of the facility and staff contacted police immediately afterward.

After the shooting, police said two other people at the facility attempted to render aid to the victim, but Payne pointed the weapon at them.

The facility was locked down and searched, but everything was cleared.

Payne is facing two charges of first-degree murder and felony menacing, police said.

Rosipajla said he was not sure of the facility's rules on firearms.

The Legacy Assisted Living at Lafayette issued a statement Wednesday afternoon about the shooting:

“We are devastated by the incident that took place at our community this morning. In consideration of privacy laws and the integrity of the investigation process, we cannot share specifics about those involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee and their family, as well as our residents and staff who are understandably shaken by what took place. Our chief concerns at this time are providing comfort and care to all that have been impacted. As it is an active investigation, we will not be commenting further on this matter.”

This is a developing story. Stay with Denver7 for updates.