A 26-year-old dishwasher at Topgolf in Thornton, Colorado, has been charged with the murder of his 22-year-old co-worker.
The Thornton Police Department reports that on December 22, 2023, Victor Salazar-Guarache, an employee at Topgolf, abruptly left his shift at 11:42 pm due to an altercation among the staff. He then fled the scene in his vehicle.
Salazar-Guarache returned to the venue around 12:50 AM on December 23. Bryce Holden, another dishwasher, and a kitchen manager were exiting the establishment after completing their work when Salazar-Guarache confronted them in the parking lot.
Police accounts allege that Salazar-Guarache fired a dozen shots at Holden, while the kitchen manager managed to avoid injury by retreating into the building. Witnesses, including a Lyft driver, reported seeing Salazar-Guarache laughing as he got back into his vehicle after the shooting.
First responders transported the critically injured Holden to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead shortly after his arrival.
Authorities apprehended Salazar-Guarache a few hours later on Interstate 25. Weld County Sheriff’s deputies arrested him and transferred custody to Thornton police. Upon his arrest, Salazar-Guarache invoked his right to legal counsel and declined to provide any statements. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
Topgolf released a statement expressing profound sorrow and shock over the tragic event. Bryce’s father, Rod Holden, remembered his son as a young man of strong moral principles who was always striving for personal growth and had a positive outlook on people. Furthermore, he revealed that Bryce was self-learning Spanish and aspired to relocate to Barcelona within the next two years.
According to Adams County court records, Salazar-Guarache’s preliminary hearing is slated for March 29, 2024, following his initial court appearance. The reason behind the fatal shooting is still being investigated by authorities.
