Colorado Springs police responded to a shooting incident on Friday afternoon, June 2, in which two deceased males were discovered in a parking lot.
Attorney Harry Daniels issued a press release identifying one of the victims as Qualin Campbell, stating that Campbell had fallen victim to a crime. Police later identified the other male as David Karels, a transient with a criminal record, who had fatally shot Campbell before taking his own life.
Daniels shared that Campbell, a 32-year-old father of two, had informed his wife that an unknown homeless person had forced his way into his vehicle and was holding him captive.
In a desperate plea for help, Campbell texted his wife, Talija Campbell, who immediately contacted emergency services. She had dialed 911 nearly an hour prior, reporting her husband’s hostage situation, providing detailed information about his location, and sharing a photo of the man who had allegedly held Qualin Campbell captive.
Tragically, an hour later, Qualin Campbell was discovered lifeless in the parking lot, having sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen, as stated in the press release.
The statement expressed deep concern over the lack of police response. It emphasized that while Qualin Campbell had pleaded for his life, his wife had urgently contacted the authorities, who were stationed less than a mile away.
“This incident involved a hostage situation where Qualin Campbell pleaded for his life. His wife dialed 911, but the police, despite being in close proximity, failed to intervene,” the release said.
The press release underscored the critical need for swift police response to hostage situations, suggesting that the safety of the community is compromised if such emergencies are not met with immediate, decisive action.
