Justin Boothe Shooting: In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Larimer County Coroner’s Office has identified 36-year-old Justin Boothe as the victim of a fatal shooting in southwest Loveland. The incident, which unfolded on October 17, 2023, not only claimed the life of a young Loveland resident but also sent shockwaves through the local community. This article sheds light on the events surrounding this tragic incident, providing insight into the aftermath and the charges faced by the alleged perpetrator, Kenneth Piper.
The fateful incident transpired at approximately 4:47 a.m. when the Loveland Police Department dispatch received a distressing 911 call reporting a shooting at an apartment in the 1400 block of South California Avenue. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a woman who had fled the apartment after the shooting. She recounted a harrowing scene in which the resident, Justin Boothe, had been shot in the chest and was lying on the floor.
Furthermore, the woman revealed that 62-year-old Kenneth Piper, who also happened to be Boothe’s uncle, was still inside the apartment with a firearm. Acting swiftly, the officers obtained visual confirmation of Boothe’s dire condition inside the residence. Recognizing the immediate need for medical attention, they courageously entered the apartment to secure Boothe’s safety and administer much-needed medical aid. Inside, Piper remained barricaded, refusing to obey police commands.
However, thanks to the officers’ professional and dedicated approach, they were able to apprehend Piper without further incident. Despite the prompt response of Thompson Valley EMS medics, they tragically pronounced Justin Boothe dead at the scene. The loss of a beloved member of the Loveland community has sent shockwaves through the area, leaving friends and family members grappling with grief and disbelief.
In the wake of the shooting, Kenneth Piper faces serious charges. He has been charged with first-degree murder after deliberation, a class 1 felony. Additionally, he has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a drug petty offense. In response to these charges, 8th Judicial District Court Magistrate Jeffrey Schwartz issued a $10 million cash-only bond, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Piper currently remains in custody at the Larimer County Jail in Fort Collins, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The tragic incident has left the Loveland community in mourning and seeking answers. The loss of Justin Boothe has left a void that cannot be filled, and his memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As the legal process unfolds, the community will be watching closely, hoping for justice and closure in the face of this senseless tragedy.
