Colorado 'Supermom' Mom Killed Before Divorce Finalized

A day before Tracy Lechner was supposed to begin a new chapter in her life, it ended in tragedy. On March 30, 2023, David Lechner murdered his estranged wife, just before their divorce was finalized. The horrific crime shook not only the Lechner family, but the entire Denver-area community. This is the story of a calculated act of violence that tore a family apart.

The Tragic Events Leading to the Murder

The crime occurred outside the home where Tracy lived with the couple's two children, aged 7 and 9 at the time. Although David and Tracy had been separated for years, the divorce was scheduled to finally be completed on March 31, 2023.

David's actions were not impulsive. Prosecutors presented evidence showing he had purchased items including a tarp, zip ties, and a GPS tracking device in the days leading up to the murder. His goal, as the prosecution argued, was to avoid the divorce and maintain control over the children.

A Calculated Plan Ends in Tragedy

On the morning of March 30, David showed up at Tracy's home in the Hills West neighborhood of Cherry Creek, armed with a gun and prepared for violence. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots, and one witness saw David standing over Tracy in the family garage, shooting her three times — once in the head. The witness acted quickly, ramming his rental truck into David's car as he tried to flee the scene. Police arrested David shortly afterward, just down the street.

Authorities later revealed that David had used a stun gun to incapacitate Tracy before the fatal shooting. This, combined with the premeditated purchase of various supplies, led prosecutors to argue that this was not a crime of passion, but a well-planned murder.

David's Defense Falls Apart

Despite attempts by David's defense team to frame the killing as an act of self-defense, the evidence presented at trial painted a different picture. The defense argued there had been a physical altercation between David and Tracy before the shooting, even noting that David had sustained stab wounds to his buttocks during the struggle.

However, prosecutors dismantled this claim by showing that David had meticulously planned the murder in advance. The stun gun, the purchased supplies, and witness testimony all pointed to a deliberate effort to kill Tracy to gain full custody of their children.

Life in Prison Without Parole

David Lechner was convicted on several charges, including first-degree murder and attempted kidnapping. On April 22, 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge also added a three-year sentence for the other charges, to be served concurrently with his life sentence. Though David will spend the rest of his life behind bars, the sentence brought little comfort to Tracy's grieving family, who are left to pick up the pieces.

The Family Left Behind

Tracy Lechner, remembered by her family as a "supermom," was known for her devotion to her two children. Friends and family described her as someone who balanced a busy professional life while prioritizing her children's happiness and well-being. Despite the chaos David brought into their lives, Tracy made every effort to shield the children from harm.

At David's trial, the couple's children aloud read heart-wrenching victim impact statements. Tracy's son expressed immense pain and anger toward his father, saying he hoped David would die and rot in hell. His sister echoed those sentiments, calling David a monster who had brutally taken their mother away. Both children made it clear they no longer saw him as their father and wanted nothing to do with him.

Tracy's parents, who are now raising the children, also spoke at the trial, describing their daughter's legacy of kindness and love. They shared how she had worked tirelessly to protect her children from David's abusive behavior, even as their marriage disintegrated. Her father, Clifford Bloch, went on to describe the profound impact her loss had on their family and the community at large.

The case of David and Tracy Lechner highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the lengths to which some will go to avoid losing control. Despite the tragedy, Tracy's family has vowed to honor her memory by raising her children and continuing the life she worked so hard to build for them.

References: David Lechner verdict: Man convicted of killing 'supermom' sentenced to life in prison | Colo. Man Who Murdered 'Supermom' Wife a Day Before Divorce Was Finalized Receives Sentence