NORTHGLENN, Colo. — Two juveniles were shot and killed after trespassing into the backyard of a home Sunday afternoon, the Northglenn Police Department said.
Police said officers responded about 2 p.m. on the report of a trespass and felony menacing to the 11600 block of Pearl Street, which is south of the intersection of 120th Avenue and Washington Street.
When officers arrived, they found two juvenile boys with gunshot wounds. The boys were taken to the hospital where they died, police said. Their identities are not being released at this time.
Multiple shell casings were found in the backyard. The two boys didn't make it into the home, police said.
Investigators believe the two juveniles broke a fence to gain entry into the backyard, and when they were approached by a resident there was an exchange of gunfire.
Detectives also confirmed the shooting was related to a burglary in the area.
Officers got a warrant to search the home Sunday evening and said the homeowner was cooperating with investigators. Northglenn police have not said whether the homeowner will be charged.
9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said Colorado's so-called "Make My Day law," which allows residents to use deadly force against intruders, does not apply to the homeowner in this case because the boys never entered the house. But Robinson said the homeowner could still avoid charges under the state's self-defense laws.
"You can't use deadly force to protect mere property," Robinson said. "If you reasonably believe that you need to use deadly force to protect yourself from serious bodily injury or death, you are free to use deadly force and need not retreat."
Northglenn Police said the incident was connected to a burglary in the same area.
The names of the two boys who were killed have not yet been released.
The investigation is in collaboration with the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office was ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 303-450-8868.
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