BLUE RIVER, CO – Residents of a scenic Colorado mountain town remain stunned as new details have emerged in a murder case involving accusations of both homicide and brutal assault at a single household.
Daniel DeVito, 46, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jordan Labarre, 32. Authorities say the killing, which occurred on July 7, was preceded by a violent attack on another woman in DeVito’s home just three days earlier. The series of disturbing events was outlined in recent court hearings.
On the evening of July 7, law enforcement agencies from across the region rushed to a home on Aspen Meadows Circle after receiving reports of gunfire. When officers surrounded the house, they heard additional shots from inside, prompting a tense standoff. DeVito eventually exited the property and was swiftly taken into custody.
During his arrest, investigators say DeVito made a series of alarming statements, claiming he had killed several people he believed to be associated with a cartel and that his own safety was threatened by supposed armed intruders. Officers entering the residence found only one victim—Labarre—who had been fatally shot in the head. Authorities believe she tried to seek refuge in the master bedroom but was pursued and killed.
After the homicide, another woman stepped forward to recount the violent ordeal she experienced at DeVito’s hands on July 4. According to court documents, she said she was awakened after spending the night at DeVito’s home and was detained in the bathroom, where he allegedly threatened to kill her. She complied with his demands, which included answering philosophical questions on pieces of paper.
Her report goes on to state that, after being released from the bathroom, she was confronted by DeVito and another man. The two are accused of binding her to a swing with zip ties and inflicting a long knife wound across her chest. She alleged DeVito later poured hydrogen peroxide on her wound. The woman managed to escape but delayed reporting the incident, citing fear of retaliation.
Investigators have stated that DeVito and Labarre were once romantically involved, though it is unclear what led to the recent escalation of violence. Initially, DeVito was booked into the Summit County jail on unrelated charges following the standoff, but prosecutors soon added the murder charge after Labarre’s death was ruled a homicide.
The suspect now faces a host of charges, including first-degree assault, menacing, false imprisonment, criminal mischief, and domestic violence related to the earlier attack. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the seriousness of the allegations as evidence continues to emerge.
Prosecutors and detectives are working to piece together the series of events leading up to the deadly shooting, focusing on circumstances at the home and any possible links between the alleged assaults. The community has been left unsettled as details paint a picture of escalating danger in what is typically a tranquil setting.
DeVito’s next court date is set for January 20, 2026, when he is expected to enter a plea. He remains in custody without bond as the investigation moves forward. No other suspects have been named, and authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.
As the case continues through the court system, the question of what ultimately sparked the bursts of violence remains unanswered. Residents of Blue River are grappling with the aftermath, hopeful for justice and a sense of closure in a town not accustomed to such tragedies.