Aurora, CO – David O’Grady, 36, is facing first-degree murder and domestic violence charges after his wife, Taylor Dawn Last, 29, was found dead in their home following an alleged shooting on Sept. 7. Authorities say O’Grady told dispatchers he had been “clearing his gun” and that it “accidentally” discharged, striking Last in the chest. He later told officers he had “attempted CPR for about an hour” before calling 911.
The shooting occurred at the couple’s residence on the 5200 block of Shawnee Way in Aurora early Sunday morning. The couple’s two children, ages 6 and 4, were asleep upstairs when the shot was fired; relatives and neighbors now say the family faces an uncertain future as investigators pursue charges.
The Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
Police responded at approximately 7:45 a.m. Sunday after O’Grady called 911. Officers found Last “lying on her back on the ground, with her left arm on her chest,” and noted her body was “cold and stiff to the touch,” suggesting she had been dead for some time when they arrived. O’Grady allowed officers into the home and was later taken into custody.
“I was clearing my gun last night, but accidentally discharged my firearm and hit my wife in the chest,”
This statement, attributed to O’Grady in the arrest affidavit, is central to the prosecution’s case and contrasts with other details investigators say they recovered at the scene.
Children’s Accounts and Scene Details
Investigators interviewed the couple’s children, who were reportedly in a shared bedroom upstairs, across a narrow hallway from their parents’ room. The children told police they heard “loud arguing” and a “bang” that startled them awake. They also said they saw O’Grady “had thrown something” at Last before she fell onto the bed with her hands raised.
Police observed “broken colorful things” on the ground; the affidavit notes that none of these items were present when officers arrived. O’Grady’s mother was also in the house at the time of the shooting.
Investigation, Charges and Police Account
According to investigators, O’Grady admitted during questioning that the couple had been in a verbal argument. He told detectives he knew the gun was loaded, fired a round into the bed, and then, as Last entered the room, aimed in her direction and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Last in the chest; she later died from her injuries.
- Suspect: David O’Grady, 36
- Victim: Taylor Dawn Last, 29
- Date: Sept. 7
- Location: 5200 block of Shawnee Way, Aurora, Colorado
- Charges: Domestic violence and first-degree murder
- Children present: Ages 6 and 4
Family Response and Support Efforts
Family members have described the killing as an “unimaginable tragedy” and a “tragic act of domestic violence” that leaves two children without their mother and father. An aunt of the victim started a GoFundMe to support the children, noting the younger child’s birthday falls on Wednesday.
“She was a loving mother to her two beautiful little girls… The unthinkable happened — their father was responsible for her death, and he is now incarcerated. This leaves these sweet girls without both of their parents,”
That message, posted on the fundraiser, underscores the immediate emotional and financial needs the family faces.
What Happens Next?
Authorities say O’Grady was in custody awaiting his first court appearance, scheduled for Sept. 11 at 1:30 p.m., according to online court records. Prosecutors will review the affidavit, witness statements, and physical evidence as they determine formal charges and next steps in the case.
Investigators will likely continue to:
- Review forensic evidence from the scene and the firearm.
- Interview additional witnesses, including relatives and neighbors.
- Examine timelines to reconcile O’Grady’s claim of delayed 911 notification with physical evidence indicating Last had been deceased for some time.
Key points to watch as the case develops include the results of forensic testing, the content of further witness interviews, and any additional charges that may be filed as investigators complete their review.
What do you think about this case? Do you have thoughts on how communities can better prevent domestic violence? Share your views and resources in the comments below.
