In the quiet mountain town of Central City, Colorado, a tragedy unfolded on January 20, 2021, cutting short the life of 28-year-old Leah Carlene Knowlton. A female, identified as White/Caucasian, Knowlton was found deceased in her home on Vernon Drive in what investigators determined to be a murder-suicide. Her death was the result of a gunshot wound inflicted by her live-in boyfriend, 26-year-old Edward Alexander Hayton.
The Gilpin County Sheriff's Office was called to the residence
following a report of an altercation and shots fired. Upon their arrival, deputies were unable to make contact with anyone inside the home. After forcing entry, they discovered the bodies of both Knowlton and Hayton. Subsequent forensic autopsies confirmed that Knowlton's death was a homicide and Hayton's was a suicide.
The investigation concluded that Hayton shot and killed Knowlton before taking his own life. As the sole perpetrator was deceased, no arrests were made in connection with Knowlton's murder. The incident was deemed a domestic violence tragedy that left a community in mourning and a family devastated by the violent end to a promising life. Knowlton, a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, was remembered for her service and her adventurous spirit.
