In the quiet town of Fruita, Colorado, the life of 37-year-old Danya Michelle Spiess was tragically cut short on the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2015. A female, she was discovered deceased in her home from a fatal shooting in what authorities described as an apparent murder-suicide attempt. The incident unfolded after a chilling call was made to the police by a woman who reported that her husband had been drinking and was armed with a shotgun.
During the call, the dispatcher heard a noise and a loud scream before the line went dead.
Police arrived at the residence to find Danya Spiess dead and a man, identified as her husband, Steven Scott Spiess, wounded. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of what was believed to be a self-inflicted shotgun blast to his lower jaw. The investigation led to Steven Spiess, then 47, being charged with first-degree murder and prohibited use of a weapon. Authorities alleged that he shot his wife at point-blank range with a 16-gauge shotgun before turning the weapon on himself in a failed suicide attempt.
Following his release from the hospital, Steven Spiess was booked into the Mesa County Jail, with bail set at $1 million. The legal proceedings that followed were complicated by his extensive medical needs and his inability to speak due to his injuries, requiring him to communicate through writing. The case brought significant costs to the city of Fruita for his medical care and security during his hospital stay.
Danya was remembered as a beloved mother and a dedicated veterinary technician at Tiara Rado Animal Hospital in Grand Junction. A passionate animal lover, she cared for dogs, cats, and horses. She was known for her gentle smile, willingness to help, and her ability to bring calmness and strength to difficult situations. Her death was mourned by her family, including her husband, son, and daughter, as well as friends and colleagues who remembered her as a cherished friend who could always be counted on.
