Michael Julias Ford was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he shot five employees and a Denver police officer at the Safeway warehouse on June 25, according to an autopsy report released today.
The 22-year-old produce selector went to work at the Quebec Street warehouse, shot his co-workers with a six-inch barrel, six-shot Ruger .357-caliber revolver and set fires throughout the building.
A motive for the shooting is still unknown. Family members say he was mild-mannered, but one sister said he complained that people at work were making fun of his Islamic faith.
The report, written by Dr. Amy Martin from the Denver Coroner’s Office, shows Ford had 16 unused rounds of ammunition in his pants pocket along with a black plastic lighter. He had already reloaded twice during the shooting, according to Denver police.
When police got to the warehouse, Ford ambushed them and shot SWAT technician Derick Dominguez in the hip. Dominguez continues to recover.
The officers returned fire. Seven shots hit Ford – one in his knee and arm and five in his back, the report says.
Safeway employee Mauricio DeHaro was killed by Ford.
The other victims, Safeway employees Mark Moran, John Mendoza, Luis Relford and Oscar Martinez survived their gunshot wounds.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or at fcardona@denverpost.com.
