Sisters coach, ex-classmates stunned by Colo. shootings

Authorities on Monday confirmed the identity of a man who killed three people in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday morning before being killed in a shootout with police. NewsChannel 21 learned, meanwhile, that Noah Jacob Harpham, 32, of Colorado Springs was a former resident of Sisters.

Many in the Sisters community were shocked when they head the news. In an e-mail to KTVZ, Harpham’s teacher and coach, Charlie Kanzig, talked about the his recollections of Harpham from 15 years ago.

Noah graduated from Sisters High School in 2000. This is a sad and shocking story. I remember Noah and his entire family from when they lived here in Sisters. I am not sure what I can possibly say about this tragedy. It’s tragic for the three victims of Noah’s shooting spree. It’s tragic for his family who loved him deeply and its tragic for Noah himself who obviously became completely overwhelmed by his condition. I am sure that all of the people of Sisters who know this family feel as heartsick as I do. Noah was a talented young man–a musician, an athlete, a thinker. There is no way any of us can possibly make sense how Noah came to end up in such a dark and violent place. To know that the Noah Harpham I remember could commit such an act tells me there is no simple explanation, or response, to offer.

The El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office said Harpham “fired multiple shots” at Colorado Springs officers responding to a shots-fired call at 8:45 a.m. Saturday.

“CSPD officers returned fire and the suspect was later pronounced deceased at the hospital,” the news release stated.

Sisters High classmates responded on Facebook, saying they were “floored” to hear the news.

Colorado Springs police late Monday identified the three shooting victims as Andrew Alan Myers, 35, who was riding a bicycle when he was shot; Jennifer Michelle Vasquez, 42, and Christina Rose Baccus-Gallela, 34, all from Colorado Springs.

Officers who rushed to the scene had gotten a description of the man and his direction of travel. Four officers were involved, and their names have not been released.

The sheriff’s office said the officers were not wearing body cameras and their patrol cars were not equipped with dash cameras. Sheriff’s investigators are collecting and reviewing video footage, finishing interviews and accounting for all rounds fired, they said.

NewsChannel 21 has learned Harpham grew up in Sisters and was a 2000 graduate of Sisters High School.

An August 2002 Sisters Nugget article indicated Harpham was a member of a Christian band called Not All Related that performed their song “The Storm” at a Los Angeles church during a Christian artists talent search.