Colorado Springs, CO – A tragic case concluded recently with a Colorado man receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the fatal shooting of his wife and their infant son. David Weingarten, 31, was handed his sentence on Thursday, following a conviction on two counts of first-degree murder.
The chilling incident, which took place on February 1, began when Weingarten made a 911 call from his home on Heather Glen Drive, claiming a medical emergency. On arrival, law enforcement personnel were met with a confession from Weingarten, who admitted to the murders, attributing his actions to auditory hallucinations, as evidenced in court documents.
Upon entering the residence, police found Lizet Salinas Mijanos, 26, and her 8-month-old son, Georgie, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds and declared deceased at the scene. The investigation revealed a disturbing sequence of events where Weingarten, overwhelmed by anxiety induced by his son’s crying, retrieved a gun from his car and proceeded to shoot his wife and then his son.
The couple’s 2-year-old daughter, who was also in the home at the time of the shootings, was found unharmed. The young girl is now under the guardianship of her aunt, Lizbeth Salinas, Lizet’s sister. Lizbeth has vowed to provide a stable and loving home for her niece, reflecting on her sister’s life with fond memories of her joy and loving nature.
In the wake of this heartbreak, the community has rallied around the Salinas family. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Lizbeth in the upbringing of her niece, receiving widespread support from local residents and their church community. The initiative underscores the community’s commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis.
This tragic case has brought the issue of mental health into sharp focus, highlighting the critical need for accessible mental health services and support systems. As the community grieves and begins the healing process, the importance of mental health awareness and the availability of resources becomes increasingly apparent. The role of community support is essential in providing a network of safety and healing for those affected by such tragedies.
With the legal proceedings behind them, Lizbeth and her niece face the future together, surrounded by a community ready to uphold them with love and support. The ongoing public and familial support encapsulates a collective effort to mend the irreplaceable loss endured by the family.