Authorities in southwest Colorado are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in Ignacio on Tuesday morning that left two men who were acquaintances dead.
The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office was called out to a recreational vehicle park at about 10:30 a.m. where they say a 33-year-old Joel Ferguson fatally shot 27-year-old Jake Bramwell.
Bramwell, who was shot several times, was pronounced dead at the Sky Ute Downs RV Park.
“(Ferguson) fled the scene and when stopped by an officer 14 minutes later, he shot himself and was pronounced dead at the local hospital,” said Daniel Bender, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office.
Officials said Ferguson shot himself in the head.
Bender said both men were local residents. Autopsies are slated to be completed on them Wednesday.
“One was angry with the other over a personal issue,” according to Bender.
The sheriff’s office says it is continuing its investigation into the shooting.
Ignacio is on the Southern Ute Reservation about 24 miles southeast of Durango.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or
