Colorado – In a heartbreaking case in Colorado, a 31-year-old man, identified as D. Weingarten, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the murders of his 26-year-old wife, L. Mijanos, 26, and their 8-month-old son. This tragic event unfolded while their young daughter was also in the home, though she remained unharmed.
On the evening of February 1, officers responded to a distressing 911 call. At approximately 6:55 p.m., police were dispatched to a single family residence. The caller, an adult male later identified as Weingarten, reported a “medical emergency.” When first responders arrived, Weingarten met them outside. He appeared distressed and immediately made a chilling confession. “I just shot my wife and son,” he told the officers, according to court documents. “I’ve been feeling not good lately, and something just came over me. I don’t know what happened. I’ve been hearing things, and I don’t know what’s going on. My wife and son are both dead, I believe.”
Inside the home, officers found Mijanos and the 8-month-old boy, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The violent crimes unit took over the investigation, and Weingarten was taken into custody without incident.
During questioning, Weingarten revealed unsettling details about his state of mind leading up to the murders. He admitted that his son’s crying had been causing him significant anxiety and that he had been experiencing “bad thoughts.” Feeling overwhelmed, he retrieved a gun he kept in his car and paced around the house, grappling with his emotions.
He confessed to making the deliberate decision to shoot his wife. After killing Mijanos, he then turned the gun on his infant son. When detectives asked why he would harm his own child, Weingarten allegedly responded that the baby’s crying made him anxious and that it was too much for him to handle.
Their 2-year-old daughter was also in the home at the time but was unharmed. She has since been placed in the care of Mijanos’s sister, L. Salinas, who plans to raise her as her own. “Well, we are trying our best to hold up for her,” Salinas said. “We have had a lot of support from our family, the community, and our church. So we are getting all the support we need.”
Salinas spoke fondly of her sister, highlighting her dedication to motherhood. “She was always serious, but once you got to know her, she was full of joy,” she said. “She would make jokes and be the silliest person. We talked once in a while. But not as much as I wish we did.” Mijanos’s dream was to be a good mother, and she cherished her children deeply.
The community has been shaken by the senseless act of violence. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers are grappling with the loss and the unsettling circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Many are left wondering how such an event could occur without any apparent warning signs.
Weingarten’s defense did not dispute that he committed the killings but suggested that his mental state played a significant role. He claimed to have been hearing voices and experiencing severe anxiety leading up to the incident. However, the jury found him criminally responsible for his actions, resulting in the life sentences.
In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Salinas with the expenses of raising her niece. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and donations to help them navigate this difficult time. The case has sparked conversations about mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help when struggling with overwhelming emotions. Mental health professionals emphasize that resources are available for those experiencing distress and that early intervention can prevent tragedies.
As Weingarten begins his life sentences, the focus shifts to healing for the family and the community. The loss of Mijanos and the young boy is immeasurable, but their memories live on through their loved ones. The hope is that the surviving daughter will grow up surrounded by love and support, carrying forward her mother’s legacy.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of mental health struggles. It underscores the importance of compassion, communication, and connection within families and communities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support.
