Two adults were found dead at Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colo., after an alleged murder-suicide incident on Christmas morning. Police shared that an unidentified adult male is believed to have shot his wife before killing himself at about 9 a.m.on Sunday, Christmas Day. Police say the two adults were former members of the congregation, which is located in the suburb of Denver.
Thornton Police Department said in its press release posted on Twitter: "On a day that is historically associated with joy, family and fun, we're saddened to inform you of the following. The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined. Still no known threats to the Thornton community."
The Thornton Police Department said the Adams County Sheriff's Office Hazardous Material Unit is investigating a suspicious device found at the scene. Witnesses say that a gun was fired in the parking lot of the hall Sunday morning. The suspect also threw a molotov cocktail, starting a fire inside the building.
Kingdom Hall holds three services on Sundays. An internal message to the congregation said: "Dear friends, today's meeting will be held on Zoom due to a tragic incident that occurred at the Kingdom Hall this morning. Various reports are in the news however we don't have all the information at this time. Please be assured that the local Bodies of Elders will be caring for the needs of the affected Congregations."
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