Four people dead in Aurora, Colo. hostage situation

Four people are dead, including the gunman, following a hostage situation in an Aurora, Colo. townhome.

After hours of failed negotiations, police entered the house and shot the gunman. Once inside, they discovered three other bodies, presumed to be killed before police arrived on the scene, the Associated Press reports.

A fourth hostage escaped unharmed and alerted authorities, according to USA TODAY.

AP also reports that a SWAT team was called around 3 a.m. on Saturday after gunshots were heard at the home. It wasn’t until 9 a.m. when the gunman exchanged fire with police that officers entered the house.

In July, Aurora made headlines when a gunman opened fire in a crowded movie theater, killing 12 people and wounding 58 others.

By Kelsey Osterman /// January 5, 2013

About Kelsey Osterman

Kelsey is the weekend editor at Red Alert. She loves writing, exploring and asking questions. When she isn't reporting, she can be found reading, playing sports, socializing, cheering for her favorite teams or drinking too much coffee. Kelsey was born and raised in St. Paul, Minn., but moved to the District shortly after graduating from college. She attended Biola University in La Mirada, Calif., and received a bachelor's degree in print journalism and a minor in biblical and theological studies. Follow her on Twitter at @kelseyosterman.