COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) released information about an apparent murder-suicide that occurred Friday.
According to CSPD, 48-year-old Christopher Rael has been identified as one of the people found dead Friday in an apartment, along with a 7-year-old who will not be identified.
Police say they were first called to the 3100 block of Lange Terrace, near the intersection of Dublin Boulevard and North Union Boulevard around 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning. When they responded, they found Rael and the 7-year-old both dead suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
On Monday, police said Rael's death is being investigated as a suicide and the 7-year-old's death is being investigated as a homicide. Police say the 7-year-old and Rael knew each other, however, police have not disclosed their relationship at this time.
According to CSPD, this is the 10th homicide in Colorado Springs so far this year.
Why Won't Police Identify The 7-year-old?
In May of 2023, Governor Jared Polis signed "Riley's Law" or SB 23-075 into Colorado law. The law is designed to protect the identities of underage crime victims.
WATCH: The mother turning tragedy into action
Following the murder of Riley Whitelaw, her mother, Courtenay Whitelaw testified to have laws changed after Riley was identified in the arrest warrant.
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