Thursday, February 16, 2012

Penrose, CO: Fremont shooting ruled a suicide

PENROSE — A rural Fremont County woman was released from jail Tuesday after an autopsy and on-scene investigation confirmed her story that her companion committed suicide as the couple argued Sunday.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation authorities continued an investigation on-scene Tuesday at the Mountaindale Campground, 15 miles northwest of Penrose near the Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area, where Claude Ouellette, 53, was found dead of a single gunshot wound to the head.

Valorie Jean Rice, 45, was arrested for domestic violence harassment in connection with the incident pending outcome of an investigation.

"Review of the shooting scene evidence and the results of Ouellette’s autopsy, support the original claim by Rice that Ouellette shot himself during a domestic dispute in the couple’s motor home," said Capt. Don Pinover of the Fremont County Sheriff's Office. "All charges against Rice have been dismissed and Ouellette’s death has been classified as a suicide."

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