Bio 

Matthew John Murray was born on December 5, 1983. He was raised in a religious household and was homeschooled for much of his youth. He later became connected to Christian religious programs, including Youth With A Mission, also known as YWAM.

Murray attended a YWAM training program in Arvada, Colorado, but did not complete it. Reports state that he was dismissed from the program several years before the shootings. Investigators later examined his online writings, which showed anger toward Christianity and increasing violent language before the attacks.

In the months before the shootings, Murray obtained multiple firearms and ammunition. Police later found that he had gone to both the YWAM center in Arvada and New Life Church in Colorado Springs on the same day, targeting Christian religious locations.

Murder Story

On December 9, 2007, Matthew Murray began his attack at the Youth With A Mission training center in Arvada, Colorado. Around 12:30 a.m., he went to the facility and asked if he could stay overnight. After being refused, he opened fire. Tiffany Johnson, 26, and Philip Crouse, 24, were killed. Dan Griebenow and Charlie Blanch were wounded.

After leaving Arvada, Murray later traveled to New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Around 1:00 p.m., he opened fire outside the church as people were leaving services. Sisters Stephanie Works, 18, and Rachel Works, 16, were killed. Their father, David Works, was wounded, along with Judy Purcell and Larry Bourbonnais.

Inside the church, Murray was confronted by Jeanne Assam, a volunteer security member and former police officer. Assam shot him several times, stopping the attack. Authorities later concluded that Murray died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being wounded by Assam.

The attacks left four victims dead and five others injured. Murray also died at the scene, bringing the total number of deaths to five including the shooter. Investigators later connected both shootings to Murray and examined his writings, weapons, and background to determine motive.