Editor’s note: This story contains content that may be sensitive for some readers and includes discussion of suicide and domestic violence.
DENVER (KDVR) — The Durango police chief is asking his community to speak up about the warning signs of domestic violence after two shootings in a week amid a rise in incidents this year.
On Oct. 2 and Oct. 7, two men in separate shootings in the southwest Colorado town shot three women who all later died before the men then both took their own lives, according to the Durango Police Department.
Durango police have already responded to more domestic violence incidents this year than last year, and now Police Chief Brice Current urged people who witness or experience domestic violence to take action.
“This is a profoundly tragic time for our community,” Current said in a press release. “In just a week, we’ve seen two domestic violence-related shootings here in Durango — a heartbreaking reminder of how critical early intervention can be.”
2 shootings in a week
In the first shooting on Oct. 2, Wanda Murray was leaving her workplace in the 1100 Block of South Camino Del Rio, which is near Walmart in town, when she was approached by her ex-husband, Michael Murray, at around 4:30 p.m., police said.
She attempted to run away from Michael after he got into her vehicle when he shot her. He then “turned the weapon on himself,” police said.
They were both taken to a hospital and later died.
On Oct. 7, police at around 7 p.m. responded to multiple reports of gunfire at a mobile home park in the 2400 block of North Arroyo Drive, where they found three people with gunshot wounds.
Investigators later determined Bradley Campbell confronted Shelby Campbell, his ex-wife, and Emma Sims and shot them, then later himself, police said.
All three later died in a hospital.
Police chief urges action from community
“In both cases, we learned information after the fact that might have helped prevent these tragedies if it had been reported sooner,” Current said. “I urge anyone who witnesses or experiences signs of domestic violence to reach out — your call could save a life.”
The police department said they have responded to 91 domestic violence incidents so far in 2025, more than the 83 during the same time frame in 2024 and closer to 2024’s total of 110 incidents.
Police reiterated that every case affects people’s lives, big or small.
“These numbers are not just statistics — they represent lives, relationships, and communities in pain,” police said. “If you are a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor who has seen signs of domestic violence, please don’t stay silent. You have the power — and the responsibility — to speak up.”
Advocates offer advice for reporting domestic violence
Advocates at the National Domestic Violence Hotline said police intervention “can be lifesaving,” but “there are very real barriers for some survivors” when it comes to police contact.
“In our 2015 law enforcement survey, survivors told us they were afraid calling the police might result in losing privacy, being stereotyped, having an abusive partner retaliate or negatively affecting their children,” advocates said. “We believe it’s important for all survivors to feel as prepared as possible if they choose to contact the police.”
The Hotline also reminded victims of what they are doing when they do decide to report domestic violence: protecting their well-being.
“It can be heartbreaking to feel as though you’re getting your partner in trouble with the law,” they said. “It’s important to remember in these scenarios that you are taking these actions for your safety, not because you want your partner to be arrested.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be contacted for assistance at 1-800-799-7233 or by visiting www.thehotline.org for confidential support 24/7.
If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
