Employee Dies After Shooting At Lafayette Assisted Living Center

LAFAYETTE, CO — A 95-year-old man was arrested Wednesday morning after he shot an employee at an assisted living center in Lafayette, police said. The staff member was taken to a hospital, where he died, officials confirmed.

Officers were called to the Legacy Assisted Living Center, at 255 Waneka Pkwy, around 7:15 a.m. They found a man in his 40s — a staff member at the facility — suffering from a gunshot wound in the center's lobby, according to the Lafayette Police Department. He was critically injured, and died in the hospital after he was placed on life support, officials said.

The 95-year-old man was found in his bedroom at the center and arrested, police said. He was later identified as Okie Payne, according to authorities.

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Payne went into the center's lobby and said the employee owed him money, and then Payne shot the staff member, officials said.

No lockdowns were issued for the surrounding neighborhood, however roadways nearby were closed for several hours.

It remained unclear how the resident had a gun. An investigation was underway.

Payne faces first-degree murder and felony menacing charges, police said.

The Legacy Assisted Living Center released the following statement in response to the shooting:

“We are devastated by the incident that took place at our community this morning. In consideration of privacy laws and the integrity of the investigation process, we cannot share specifics about those involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee and their family, as well as our residents and staff who are understandably shaken by what took place. Our chief concerns at this time are providing comfort and care to all that have been impacted. As it is an active investigation, we will not be commenting further on this manner.”