On July 6, 2021, at approximately 12:03 PM, our Communications Center dispatched Manitou Springs Police Department officers to the 400 block of Manitou Avenue on a report of a shot being fired.

Upon arrival, Manitou Springs Police Officers discovered a deceased juvenile. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit, at the request of the Manitou Springs Police Department, was asked to lead the investigation.

After preliminary investigation by our Major Crimes Detectives, it was learned that a 4-year-old child was with his mother and younger sibling in a vehicle while the father went to make purchases, when the child discovered a gun.

Unfortunately, the 4-year-old child was pronounced dead on scene after suffering from what apparently was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

Parents, Ashlynne Perez (DOB: 08/14/1995) and Carlos Perez (DOB: 05/28/1995) have been arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail on the following charge:
Criminally Negligent Child Abuse Resulting in Death.

This is a tragic investigation that not only affects the family of the victim, but it affects our community and our first responders. We want to remind the community to be sure to talk to your children about guns, even if you do not own guns. If you own guns, gun safety must be taught to all those that are near the gun, the gun must be stored unloaded and locked up. All keys to the locks should be hidden.

Our deepest condolences go to the family affected by this tragedy.