Robert Dear, admitted Planned Parenthood shooter, dies at age 67 while in federal custody
Celeste Springer
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Inmate records confirm Robert Dear, the self-admitted Planned Parenthood shooter, has died in federal custody at the age of 67.
According to records, he died on Saturday. Cause of death will need to be released by the medical examiner, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. KRDO13 has reached out to the medical examiner’s office in Missouri, where he was being held, and the office said they are working to get us information.
Thursday will mark 10 years since the shooting.
Dear, the self-proclaimed shooter, was accused of going to the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs in 2015 with six rifles, five handguns, a shotgun, propane tanks, and more than 500 rounds of ammo on the day of the attack. He killed three people and injured nine others.
KRDO had a chance to catch up with the district attorney who first tried to prosecute Dear, Dan May, who told us he was shocked by Dear’s death and feels for the victims.
“I thought it was tragic for the victims; they deserve to have that closure of him standing up in court and pleading guilty and being sentenced, or – if he had changed his mind and had a jury find him guilty, they deserve their day in court to express to the court about themselves or their loved ones,” said May.
“As we reflect on the 10 years since the Colorado Springs tragedy, we honor and remember those whose lives were lost, as well as the strength and resilience of our staff — current and former —our patients, volunteers, and the Colorado Springs community. At Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing accessible, nonjudgmental, high-quality healthcare to all who walk through our doors. On this week of remembrance, we are prioritizing our staff’s well-being while continuing to meet the needs of our patients and community.”
-Spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Dear was diagnosed with a delusional disorder in 2016, and ever since has repeatedly been deemed incompetent to stand trial.
We have no word on the status or next steps in the federal process, but the 4th judicial district attorney’s office here in Colorado Springs says they will now begin the process of dismissing the case in state court.