Lucero Badillo-Castillo

A loving mother and her two young children were stolen by violence in a heartbreaking act that silenced a Colorado Springs family. Lucero Badillo-Castillo, a 26-year-old Hispanic woman, was remembered by those who knew her as a beautiful and wonderful person. Her life revolved around her children, 8-year-old Rodolfo Barcenas Badillo Jr. and 5-year-old Laela Barcenas Badillo. The three were an inseparable trio whose bright futures were just beginning to unfold.

Tragedy struck on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. That evening, police were called to a home in the 300 block of Morgan Avenue, a residential street in Colorado Springs. Inside the residence, they made a devastating discovery. Lucero, along with her two children and their 30-year-old father, Rodolfo Barcenas-Vargas, were all found deceased. The scene was one of unimaginable horror, leaving first responders and the community reeling from the sudden loss of a family.

The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit Homicide detectives immediately took over the investigation. The El Paso County Coroner's Office conducted autopsies and, within days, the case was officially ruled a murder-suicide. Investigators determined that Rodolfo Barcenas-Vargas shot and killed Lucero and their two children before turning the gun on himself. The motive behind the horrific act was not publicly released by authorities, who assured the community that there was no ongoing threat and that all individuals involved had been identified at the scene.

The news sent shockwaves through the community and left friends and family grappling with an immense and sudden grief. The loss of Lucero, a young mother, and her two innocent children was a profound blow. Rodolfo Jr. was a student at an area elementary school, and Laela was just a year away from starting kindergarten. Their lives, full of potential and promise, were cut short in the most violent way imaginable.

In the wake of the tragedy, relatives came together to support one another through the crushing loss. A family member, Leyda Lopez, organized a GoFundMe campaign titled "Tragic loss for Badillo family" to help cover the unexpected funeral and burial expenses for Lucero and her children. The fundraiser served as a testament to the love that surrounded the family and the community's desire to offer support in the face of such a senseless act.

As of January 2017, the investigation into the deaths of Lucero Badillo-Castillo and her children was concluded by the Colorado Springs Police Department, with the case officially closed as a murder-suicide. The primary suspect was deceased, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unanswered questions for the loved ones left to mourn. The case stands as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, leaving a community to remember a mother and two children who were taken far too soon.