A Colorado Springs man has been convicted of murder in the 2025 shooting death of his girlfriend after prosecutors presented evidence that he reported a supposed break-in before later telling people close to him that he had shot her.
Kevin Wells, 36, was found guilty by an El Paso County jury on Sept. 25, 2026, in connection with the death of 34-year-old Lisa West. Wells is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 20.
The case began on May 13, 2025, when Colorado Springs police were called to the Mountain Shadows Apartments on Fontmore Road following a report of a possible burglary. Wells had contacted 911 and said someone was trying to get into his apartment. He also told the dispatcher that he was not at the residence but that West was inside.
When officers arrived, they found West dead inside the apartment with a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators quickly began focusing on Wells. According to police records cited in earlier court proceedings, his father contacted authorities roughly 30 minutes after the initial emergency call and said Wells had admitted shooting West.
Wells was later taken into custody in Pueblo County after authorities tracked his vehicle.
The investigation also uncovered another reported admission. Wells’ employer contacted police and said Wells had sent a message indicating that he had shot his girlfriend.
During court proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence concerning the relationship between Wells and West. Earlier testimony indicated there had been allegations of domestic violence involving the couple. West had also sent a message to a friend on the day she was killed expressing that she wanted to leave but felt she had nowhere to go and no money.
Investigators also found evidence inside the apartment that became part of the case. Earlier testimony indicated that officers recovered bullet casings, found an empty handgun safe and discovered damage to a sliding glass door.
Wells had previously told his father that he and West had argued and that she had struck him and threatened to bring other people to the apartment. He reportedly said he told her to leave and shot her when she refused.
The prosecution’s case ultimately led to a murder conviction after Wells’ trial in September 2026.
West’s death had initially been investigated as a possible break-in, but information gathered during the investigation pointed authorities toward Wells and away from the burglary scenario described in the original 911 call.
Wells remains in custody while awaiting sentencing. His sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for Nov. 20, when the court is expected to determine his punishment following the murder conviction.
