Colorado Shooting: Prisons Chief Tom Clements Shot Dead At Home As Suspect Still At Large

Tom Clements, Executive Director of Colorado prisons, was fatally shot at his home in Monument, Colorado overnight. At this time the police still have no known suspect, or motive for the murder but noted there was not evidence of a burglary.  

Those who knew Clements spoke of him in high regard, praising him for being a kind and thoughtful reformer. He was known for his efforts to reduce recidivism rates, working to see released prisoners were prepared to enter the community through the help of job training or treatment for mental illness.  

Early Wednesday morning, Governor John Hickenlooper posted this message on his Facebook page:

"Last night, Tom Clements was killed at his home in Monument. I can hardly believe it, let alone write words to describe it. As your Executive Director, he helped change and improve DOC in two years more than most people could do in eight years. He was unfailingly kind and thoughtful, and sought the “good” in any situation. As you all know, in corrections that is not easy. We have no more details than that. I am so sad. I have never worked with a better person than Tom, and I can’t imagine our team without him. Tom regularly spoke of your professionalism and dedication to the department. It is during times like this that we must stand together to meet the Department’s public safety mission and to honor Tom’s memory. I know that you all join me in sending prayers and support to Tom’s wife, Lisa, their two daughters and their family. For the next few days, please allow them to grieve with their family in private. With all our heart, John" 

The governor also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff.  

The governor was expected to sign three gun bills into law on Wednesday, which would limit the number of rounds in high capacity magazine rounds, universal background checks and charge customers for background checks.  

Clements came to Colorado from Missouri where he had been head of Missouri's Department of Corrections since 2007. Clements was appointed to his post by Governor Hickenlooper in 2011.  Tom Clements is survived by his wife and two children.