Colorado Man Accused of Murdering Woman After Holding Another Victim Captive and Threatening to “Blow Her Head Off,” Police Say
BLUE RIVER, COLORADO — A 46-year-old man accused of shooting a woman to death in his home allegedly held another woman captive just days earlier, threatening to “blow her head off” if she tried to escape, according to Colorado investigators.
Daniel DeVito is facing a first-degree murder charge in the killing of 32-year-old Jordan LaBarre, who was found shot in the head inside his Blue River home on July 7, 2025, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed.
DeVito also faces a string of violent charges stemming from a previous attack on another woman at the same property over the July 4th weekend.
Murder Scene: Gunfire Heard as Officers Surrounded Home
Police said they were called to DeVito’s residence on Aspen Meadows Circle after receiving reports of shots fired just after 6:20 p.m. on July 7.
Officers from six different agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol and Blue River Police, surrounded the home as they heard active gunfire coming from inside. When they ordered the suspect to surrender, DeVito emerged and was taken into custody without further incident.
According to arrest documents obtained by KMGH-TV, DeVito immediately began making bizarre statements, claiming he had “killed three people in the house that were Cartel” and that “the Cartel are after me.”
Inside, officers discovered only one victim — Jordan LaBarre — who had been shot in the head in what investigators described as a brutal homicide.
Authorities believe LaBarre tried to lock herself in the master bedroom before DeVito forced his way in and shot her at close range. The two were reportedly romantically involved at some point before the murder.
Earlier Attack: Victim Held Prisoner, Cut with Knife
Just three days before the murder, another woman told police she had endured a terrifying ordeal at the same home.
The woman said she had stayed overnight at DeVito’s house on July 4 when he suddenly locked her in a bathroom, warning that he would “blow her head off” if she tried to come out.
Fearing for her life, she stayed inside, knowing DeVito kept multiple weapons in the home.
Court records reveal that DeVito later interrogated her on bizarre questions written on sheets of paper — including one that read, “What’s the meaning behind truth and honor?”
When he finally released her, the woman said another man was present. The pair allegedly zip-tied her to a swing, and DeVito cut her chest open with a switchblade knife, creating a foot-long wound.
“She thought she was going to die,” court documents state.
Investigators said DeVito later poured hydrogen peroxide on her open wound before she managed to escape. The woman initially did not report the assault, fearing retaliation.
Charges and Upcoming Court Appearance
DeVito has been charged with:
- First-degree murder (in LaBarre’s death)
- First-degree assault
- Menacing with a deadly weapon
- False imprisonment
- Criminal mischief
- Domestic violence
He remains in custody at the Summit County Detention Facility and is expected to enter a plea on January 20, 2026.
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