Holly MatkinDenver, CO – Denver Sheriff Department (DPD) Deputy Latasha Betterly-Byrd was fatally shot during a domestic violence incident on Jan. 31.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) described the incident as a murder-suicide, KUSA reported.
Deputies responded to a residence located in the 1300-block of West 67th Avenue at approximately 9:45 a.m. after receiving a report of a deceased male at that location, according to the ACSO.
Upon their arrival, they found the body of a man who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, KUSA reported.
They discovered the body of 34-year-old Deputy Betterly-Byrd during a search of the home.
Investigators said she had been shot multiple times.
“We can confirm with heavy hearts that Denver Deputy Latasha Betterly-Byrd passed away earlier today,” Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins said in a statement, according to KUSA.
The U.S. Marine Corp veteran and mother-of-two graduated from the law enforcement academy in November of 2021 and was assigned to the Downtown Detention Center.
Sheriff Diggins described her as “an outstanding and promising new deputy,” KUSA reported.
“This is a very difficult time for her immediate family and Department family as well,” the sheriff said. “We ask that you keep everyone who cares for her in your thoughts and prayers.”
Deputy Betterly-Byrd held multiple degrees in the fields of mathematics, escrow, real estate, property management, biology, criminology, criminal justice and psychology, according to her obituary.
“Tasha was a caring, loving, self-motivated individual who was addicted to education and nature,” the tribute read. “Her charisma attracted all to love her instantly. She put 100% into all she did and all she loved.”
Deputy Betterly-Byrd leaves behind her sons, Patrick and Blair.
She is also survived by her parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Deputy Betterly-Byrd will be laid to rest on March 19.
Tonight we proudly stood with our brothers and sisters of the Denver Sheriff’s Department, the family, friends, and neighbors of Denver Sheriff Deputy Latasha Betterly-Byrd to celebrate her life. pic.twitter.com/k8u0hIyEDz
— Adams Sheriff's Page (@AdamsCoSheriff) February 6, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Denver Sheriff Department Deputy Latasha Betterly-Byrd, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
