On a November afternoon in 2021, the life of Tricia Sue Westfall, a 46-year-old White/Caucasian woman, was brought to a tragic and violent end in Centennial, Colorado. A mother of two, Westfall was known for her vibrant personality and was a cherished member of her family and community in Aurora. Her death, which unfolded in a matter of minutes, was the devastating culmination of domestic turmoil that had been brewing beneath the surface.
That day, November 15th, began as any other workday for Tricia at the Arapahoe County Department of Motor Vehicles. Her husband of 12 years, 57-year-old Galen Wade Westfall, picked her up from her workplace in his truck around 3:30 p.m. What should have been a routine drive home quickly escalated into a fatal confrontation. While the truck was in motion, Galen shot Tricia multiple times before turning the gun on himself. This violent act caused the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably, jump a curb, and crash into a parked pickup truck on Geddes Avenue.
When first responders arrived at the chaotic scene, they discovered both Tricia and Galen inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds. Tricia was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office would later rule her death a homicide. Galen's death was ruled a suicide. Investigators found a handgun in the vehicle and determined that the incident was an isolated case of domestic violence, with no other suspects sought. The investigation revealed a history of controlling behavior by Galen, which had reportedly escalated in the months leading up to the murder-suicide.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community and left Tricia’s family, including her two sons and twin sister, heartbroken. Her loved ones remembered her as a bubbly and supportive person who lit up every room she entered. In the wake of her death, Tricia's family has spoken out to raise awareness about the insidious nature of domestic violence, hoping that her story might help others recognize the warning signs and seek help before it's too late. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse.
