The Thornton Police Department has concluded a homicide investigation that began in the early morning hours of March 15, 2026, at a residence in the 13200 block of Downing Street.
Officers responded after 42-year-old Chad Gililland reported that his wife, 43-year-old Cheyenne Gililland, was unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers located Cheyenne lying on the floor inside the residence with no visible signs of fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, and detectives immediately launched an investigation.
Determining the manner of death required extensive forensic testing by the Adams County Coroner’s Office, along with additional analysis of evidence and investigative follow-up. On May 20, the coroner determined the manner of death to be homicide and listed the cause of death as closed head injuries due to blunt force impacts to the head due to a physical assault.
Through the course of the investigation, Thornton Police detectives, in partnership with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, established probable cause to believe that Chad was responsible for the death of his wife.
On March 23, eight days after Cheyenne’s death, dispatchers received a report of a shooting at the Gililland residence. A caller reported that an adult male had shot himself. Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that Chad had died by suicide.
Due to Chad’s death, the investigation is considered closed.
“No family should have to experience a loss like this,” said Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird. “Our thoughts remain with Cheyenne's loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy. We hope that sharing information about this case brings attention to the seriousness of domestic violence and reminds anyone struggling that they are not alone and support is available.”
For information on identifying abuse, visit thehotline.org/identify-abuse. For legal assistance and protection order information, visit psghelps.org. The Thornton Police Department and our Victim Services Unit can be reached by calling 720-977-5150 or 911 in an emergency.
Additional support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.