On a chilling Halloween morning in Hays, Kansas, the seemingly mundane day transformed into a harrowing scene that would leave the community grappling with grief and suspicion. On April 27, 2024, Sergeant Brandon Hauptman of the Hays Police Department was called to a troubling incident at the home of Kristen Trickle, a 26-year-old woman found near death in her bed, a gunshot wound to her head and a revolver perilously placed across her abdomen.
- Kristen Trickle found shot on Halloween morning.
- Colby Trickle claims wife's death was suicide.
- Investigators uncover inconsistencies in Colby's statements.
- Evidence of Colby's online affair discovered.
- Colby charged with first-degree murder.
- Jury finds Colby guilty after trial.
“I could see the firearm,” Hauptman recalled in an interview, vividly remembering the moment he rushed to Kristen’s side. She appeared almost fully undressed, wearing only her underwear, which raised immediate questions about the circumstances surrounding her death. When questioned about her attire, Hauptman simply stated, “Uh, almost fully undressed. She was just wearing underwear.”
As emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, they quickly recognized the severity of her injuries. Hauptman soon faced a heart-wrenching task: breaking the news to Colby Trickle, Kristen’s husband, who stood outside the house anxiously awaiting updates. “I went out to Colby on the porch and told him that she had died,” Hauptman recounted. The agonizing moment was captured on police bodycam audio, highlighting Colby’s disbelief and sorrow.
In the wake of Kristen Trickle’s death, authorities began piecing together the events leading up to that fateful morning. Colby described their previous evening, claiming that the couple had enjoyed playing video games before he went to bed, only to wake up to find Kristen gravely injured beside him. However, skepticism grew rapidly around his account. Detective JB Burkholder noted, “Having a female with a gunshot wound, especially to the head, was unusual for us.”
Kristen’s family, including her aunt and uncle, were perplexed by claims of suicide. “There’s no way … would take their own life would be Kristen because of the joy she has,” insisted Pastor Brant Rice. In fact, they felt compelled to voice concerns about Colby’s controlling behavior in their marriage, suggesting that Kristen had begun to assert her independence in the months leading up to her death.
As investigations proceeded, chilling revelations emerged. Authorities uncovered evidence that Colby Trickle had been hiding an online affair and had conducted searches regarding life insurance policies covering Kristen. In the days leading up to her death, he had googled information specific to her life insurance coverage, contradicting his claims that he was unaware of such details. Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham noted, “There were some significant red flags here.”
While Colby led investigators to believe that Kristen had taken her own life, forensics painted a more complex picture. Kristen had set her phone alarms for work the next day and had expressed a desire to begin her own pet boarding business—a clear indication that she was looking forward to the future. Detective Burkholder raised eyebrows at the circumstances of the gunshot wound, explaining that with the gun being a large .357 revolver, it was challenging to manipulate it in a way that suggested self-infliction.
By January 2021, well after Kristen’s death, a newly elected county attorney reevaluated the case and concluded that the evidence warranted a homicide investigation. On July 14, 2021, Colby Trickle was charged with first-degree murder. During the trial, prosecution painted a vivid picture of a husband who, entangled in betrayal, sought to eliminate his wife for cash—from two life insurance policies amounting to over $120,000—before moving forward with an online relationship.
Despite extensive testimonies and forensic evidence, Colby maintained his innocence, claiming he still loved Kristen and dismissing any allegations of wrongdoing. However, as his trial progressed, the jury heard not only of his alleged infidelities but also the devastating impact of Kristen’s death on her family. Following deliberation, the jury found Colby Trickle guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and interference with law enforcement.
With a sense of relief, Kristen Trickle’s family expressed their gratitude for the justice served after living with the shadow of doubt and distress for years. “I feel like we got our life back,” said Brant Rice, echoing the sentiments of loved ones grappling with loss.
As of today, Colby Trickle is serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 50 years. His case showcases the complexities of intimate relationships, the devastating effects of domestic violence, and the often troubling interplay between love and betrayal. Moving forward, Kristen’s family continues to find solace in her memory, determined to celebrate the life and joy she brought to those around her.
