Lucky13 Tattoo Shop Employees Mourn Danny Scofield Gunned Down In Shooting Spree
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Employees at Lucky13 Tattoo on Colfax Avenue and Kipling Street are mourning the loss of one of their own. The victim, identified by police as Danny Scofield, was among five other people gunned down by a suspect in Denver and Lakewood on Dec. 27.
Police say the suspect stopped at Lucky13 after being involved in three other shootings in Denver. Scofield, known as "Dano" by friends, was a popular tattoo artist at the shop, and was originally supposed to be visiting family out of town Monday, a friend said.
"They were supposed to be celebrating Christmas today," said Shay Johnson. "He's supposed to be with his mom and dad celebrating Christmas."
Venika Ladaprasankul, a waitress at the restaurant next door, said she heard at least three gunshots Monday evening. She then recalls being frozen with fear after seeing a man walk out of the tattoo shop with a large gun, get in the car, and drive the wrong direction down Kipling.
Security video from a nearby business matches that description, showing a man walk into the shop with a gun, and then walk out about 10 seconds later before driving off in a dark-colored van.
"It was really scary," Ladaprasankul said. "We are so lucky that he didn't do a crazy thing like turn around back and shoot from the outside."
Flowers were placed in front of the shop the following morning to honor Scofield. A group of friends also gathered to mourn together at nearby Kavasutra Kava Bar, a place they say Scofield frequented. On a shelf across from the bar, friends added to a makeshift memorial, which included a photo, candle, and Scofield's favorite drink.
"Right now it's just hurting," Johnson said. "It just feels weird being in here and the person that you see every day you won't see ever again."
The suspect, Lakewood police say, was later spotted at Belmar Shopping Center where they shot a front desk clerk inside the Hyatt House Hotel. That woman, Sarah Steck, died at the hospital Tuesday, officials said.
The suspect then walked out and exchanged gunfire with police. The suspect died at the scene, and one officer, identified by sources as a female, was shot. She is currently in an intensive care unit.
Loved ones at Lucky13 say they're heartbroken and want answers.
"Dano was the most loving... person in the world. Peaceful, friendly, just like a big teddy bear giant. I don't know why anyone would actually do that to somebody that's caring. He has kids, too. Just another thing that's hard," said Shay Johnson tearfully.
"He didn't deserve this. I don't think anybody did."