Parents of Colorado School Shooter Won’t Face Gun Charges, Sheriff’s Office Says

After a months‑long investigation into the Evergreen High School shooting that wounded two students and left the 16‑year‑old shooter dead, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that the shooter’s parents will not face criminal gun charges due to insufficient evidence linking them to the firearm used in the attack.

By Robert Kim – Staff Correspondent

Last Updated: Feb. 4, 2026

Investigation Examined Parental Responsibility

Authorities investigated whether the parents of Desmond Holly, the 16‑year‑old who shot two classmates before killing himself at Evergreen High School in September 2025, could face charges related to how he obtained the Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said it looked into whether the parents had allowed access to the weapon or violated Colorado’s safe‑storage laws. Ultimately, investigators concluded there wasn’t enough evidence to support charges against them. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Locked Gun Safe and DNA Results Key Factors

Investigators learned that the firearm was described as a family heirloom and was kept near the back of a large, locked safe that the teenager reportedly could only access when it was opened by his father. A DNA analysis of the gun found no parental DNA, and law enforcement secured court‑ordered DNA samples from both parents that excluded them as contributors. These findings made it difficult for prosecutors to prove the parents were criminally negligent in storing the weapon. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Family’s Account of How Gun Went Missing

The family’s attorney, Douglas Richards, told investigators that the shooter likely took the revolver without the parents’ knowledge while cleaning other firearms with his father. He said that the disappearance of the weapon wasn’t noticed until after the tragedy unfolded. This explanation added complexity to determining responsibility, as authorities could not definitively establish how the teenager accessed the gun. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Sheriff’s Office Statement and Community Reaction

In announcing the case’s conclusion, Jefferson County deputies acknowledged that the decision would disappoint some in the community but emphasized that their investigation was thorough and guided by available evidence and law. Officials said they remain committed to truth and accountability but could not present a case to the District Attorney that met the legal standard for charges. Community members continue to grapple with the tragedy’s aftermath as healing efforts proceed. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Background on the Evergreen High School Shooting

The shooting took place on Sept. 10, 2025, when Holly opened fire at Evergreen High School in Colorado, critically injuring two students before killing himself. The incident drew attention to gun safety, access to firearms, and the motivations behind school violence, prompting intense local investigation and national concern. While parents won’t face charges, debates over firearm laws and school safety policies persist in the broader discourse on preventing future tragedies. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}