Three People Fatally Shot in Property Dispute in Rural Colorado, Suspect Arrested

Man Arrested After Fatal Shooting Over Property Dispute in Rural Colorado

A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred during a property dispute in rural Colorado. Hanme K. Clark, 45, was apprehended by New Mexico State police on Tuesday, according to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting took place on Monday afternoon on the property of one of the victims, following a long-standing dispute over the use of an easement on Clark’s property. The easement allowed access to neighboring landowners in the southern part of the state. It is believed that Clark had locked a gate and posted a sign indicating that he was armed.

Easements, which provide legal rights to cross someone else’s land, are particularly important in rural communities. In this case, the victims were identified as Rob Geers, Beth Wade, and James Daulton. A fourth victim, Patty Daulton, was critically wounded and is currently receiving treatment at a trauma center.

Custer County Sheriff Lloyd Rich Smith stated that all the victims were involved in property disputes with the suspect. However, their names were not mentioned in any previous court filings against Clark. Smith also mentioned that the property dispute had led sheriff’s deputies to the property on multiple occasions in recent years, but there was no indication of the violence that would occur.

Authorities conducted a search for Clark in the wooded area where the shooting took place. They also alerted residents in nearby Chaffee County to shelter in place after Clark’s truck was spotted at a Walmart. However, it is now believed that Clark has left the area.

This incident is one of several mass shootings that have occurred in recent days across the country. It highlights the importance of resolving property disputes peacefully and the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent such tragic events from happening in the future.