THORNTON, CO – Victor Salazar-Guarache, 26, has been charged with first-degree murder and additional counts following a shooting incident at a Topgolf location in Thornton, Colorado. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office released a statement outlining the charges, which include two counts of attempted first-degree murder and a sentence enhancer for a crime of violence.
The incident occurred on December 22 when Salazar-Guarache, a dishwasher at the Topgolf in Thornton, left work early for unknown reasons. Surveillance footage showed him departing in his vehicle before the end of his shift at 11:42 p.m.
According to the Thornton Police Department, Salazar-Guarache returned around 12:50 a.m., coinciding with the end of other employees’ shifts. Among those leaving was Bryce Holden, 22, another dishwasher, and a kitchen manager. The affidavit obtained by the Denver Gazette states that Salazar-Guarache, already back and parked, exited his car, assumed a shooting stance, and opened fire on the pair. Holden was struck multiple times and collapsed, while the kitchen manager managed to escape unharmed by running back inside.
No motive for the shooting has been provided in the case. The investigation into this tragic event continues as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the violence.