(Golden, CO – November 13, 2019) Bruce Bagwell, DOB: 11-15-58, appeared today in Jefferson County District Court where he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his 58-year-old wife, Theresa Bagwell.
Following trial in October, a jury deliberated one hour before finding Mr. Bagwell guilty of First Degree Murder in the death of his wife of 37 years. Their verdict was returned on October 28.
On February 6, 2019 Lakewood police got a call from Theresa Bagwell’s elderly father who said that he had called to speak to Theresa, but Bruce Bagwell answered and told him that he had shot and killed Theresa. When police arrived at the house at 9890 W. 26th Avenue, they found Mrs. Bagwell deceased. She was naked, sitting in a wheel chair. She had suffered three shotgun blasts.
Theresa Bagwell had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in January 2019. They had chosen in-home hospice care in lieu of treatment. The hospice care provider was with Mrs. Bagwell earlier in the day that she was murdered.
Bruce Bagwell shot her twice in the back of the head with a shotgun. He then came around to face her and fired a third shotgun blast, at close range, into her chest.
“This is an unconscionable act of violence. This was not suicide, this was not mercy, this was not consensual, this was cold-blooded murder,” said DA Pete Weir.