Douglas County, CO – July 21, 2025
On July 20, 2025, at approximately 11:36 PM, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a report of a stabbing in progress at an apartment in the 1300 block of Sweet River Circle.
Based on information being relayed by dispatch, deputies made a forced entry into the apartment. Inside, they discovered one victim unconscious and not breathing, suffering from apparent stab wounds. A second victim was also located with a serious arm injury, appearing to have been caused by a knife. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures and applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. The second victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive.
Through rapid on-scene investigation, deputies were able to identify and locate the suspect, 18-year-old Messiah Williams, in an open space south of the residence. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Preliminary investigation indicates that all involved parties are related, and this incident appears to be an isolated incident. There is no ongoing threat to the public.
Messiah Williams was arrested and booked on the following charges:
- Murder in the First Degree with Deliberation (F1)
- Attempted Murder in the First Degree with Deliberation (F2)
- Assault in the First Degree (F5)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence (F6)
The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.