Police were searching late Monday for a man suspected of killing his 71-year-old ex-wife inside the Westminster financial-services firm where she worked.
According to court records, Richard Paul Stewart, 71, of Independence, Mo., was arrested for domestic violence in 2008, about one week before his wife of 45 years filed for divorce.
Westminster police received a panic-alarm call from an Edward Jones office at 11265 Decatur St. about 7 a.m. Monday. When they arrived, they found the body of Stewart's former wife inside the office doorway. Police believe she activated the alarm before she was killed. The Post is not releasing the woman's name because the coroner has not finished contacting her family.
Co-workers said the woman was known to get to work early, before the office opens at 8 a.m.
One man, who did not want his name used because the company didn't authorize employees to speak, described her as a "wonderful, grandmotherly-type lady" who was highly thought of by everyone who worked with her. He said the woman had been afraid that her ex-husband might try to hurt her.
Adams County court records show the woman told police in April 2008 that Stewart had thrown things at her. According to a police report, Stewart had been using alcohol and some type of drugs. The woman waited until police arrested her husband before returning to their Thornton home with her brother. When she arrived, her clothing was in trash cans in the front yard, and she found several of her picture frames had been broken and the photos torn up.
According to the police report, Stewart was the only person known to have been in the home at the time.
Stewart was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and criminal mischief and sentenced to one year of probation.
Eight days after the incident, his wife filed for divorce.
Westminster police said Stewart has a large family across the country who are helping authorities attempt to locate him.
Stewart is described as 5-foot-10 and 140 to 190 pounds, with brown or gray hair. Police believe he may be driving a dark blue, 1997 Buick LeSabre Custom with Missouri disabled license plate BX97J or a 2009 silver ice metallic Chevy Malibu LT, with Minnesota license plate 511DHB.
Police ask that anyone with any information or anyone who may have seen something around the crime scene Monday morning call them at 303-658-4360.
According to court records, Richard Paul Stewart, 71, of Independence, Mo., was arrested for domestic violence in 2008, about one week before his wife of 45 years filed for divorce.
Westminster police received a panic-alarm call from an Edward Jones office at 11265 Decatur St. about 7 a.m. Monday. When they arrived, they found the body of Stewart's former wife inside the office doorway. Police believe she activated the alarm before she was killed. The Post is not releasing the woman's name because the coroner has not finished contacting her family.
Co-workers said the woman was known to get to work early, before the office opens at 8 a.m.
One man, who did not want his name used because the company didn't authorize employees to speak, described her as a "wonderful, grandmotherly-type lady" who was highly thought of by everyone who worked with her. He said the woman had been afraid that her ex-husband might try to hurt her.
Adams County court records show the woman told police in April 2008 that Stewart had thrown things at her. According to a police report, Stewart had been using alcohol and some type of drugs. The woman waited until police arrested her husband before returning to their Thornton home with her brother. When she arrived, her clothing was in trash cans in the front yard, and she found several of her picture frames had been broken and the photos torn up.
According to the police report, Stewart was the only person known to have been in the home at the time.
Stewart was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and criminal mischief and sentenced to one year of probation.
Eight days after the incident, his wife filed for divorce.
Westminster police said Stewart has a large family across the country who are helping authorities attempt to locate him.
Stewart is described as 5-foot-10 and 140 to 190 pounds, with brown or gray hair. Police believe he may be driving a dark blue, 1997 Buick LeSabre Custom with Missouri disabled license plate BX97J or a 2009 silver ice metallic Chevy Malibu LT, with Minnesota license plate 511DHB.
Police ask that anyone with any information or anyone who may have seen something around the crime scene Monday morning call them at 303-658-4360.
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