In what authorities have described as a domestic violence-related murder-suicide, Laura Ashley Ruben, a 40-year-old female, tragically lost her life on March 17, 2025, in Greeley, Colorado. A dedicated special education teacher and mother of two young daughters, she had relocated to Greeley in 2024 for a new beginning. Known for her commitment to children with special needs, particularly those with vision and hearing impairments, she was also pursuing a master's degree at the University of
Northern Colorado.
The fatal shooting was carried out by her estranged husband, Charles Ruben. In the time leading up to her death, Laura had been taking steps to separate from him due to ongoing domestic issues, including filing for a legal separation and obtaining a temporary restraining order. Friends and family noted that she had expressed concerns for her safety after Charles exhibited violent behavior, which included damaging her vehicle and sending threatening messages.
On the evening of March 17, while Laura was in her car with her two-year-old child in the backseat, she was on the phone with a police officer to report that Charles was approaching her. Tragically, Charles opened fire, fatally shooting Laura before turning the gun on himself. Despite the officer's immediate call for backup, assistance arrived too late to prevent the tragedy. Law enforcement officials found Charles Ruben, aged 36, deceased in the parking lot from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and Laura inside her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Her two-year-old child was found unharmed in the backseat. Authorities have confirmed the case is classified as a murder-suicide and are not seeking any other suspects.
