CU Boulder Student Claims Girlfriend’s Life After Alleged Cheating Revelation

CU Boulder Student Claims Girlfriend’s Life After Alleged Cheating Revelation

Boulder, Colorado — April 28, 2025 —
Shock and grief have struck the University of Colorado Boulder community after a tragic incident over the weekend in which a student allegedly ended his girlfriend’s life following claims of infidelity. The fatal incident, which took place late Saturday night in an off-campus apartment, has left the campus mourning and sparked urgent conversations about relationship violence among young adults.

According to the Boulder Police Department, 21-year-old Ethan Ramirez, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was arrested early Sunday morning after calling 911 to report the incident himself. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 20-year-old Sarah Collins, a sophomore in psychology, unresponsive. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities stated that Ramirez admitted to causing her death during an intense confrontation, fueled by his belief that Collins had been unfaithful to him. According to police reports, Ramirez said he “lost control” after reading a series of text messages on Collins’ phone that he interpreted as proof of her alleged cheating.

Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold addressed the media during a press conference Sunday afternoon.
“This is a heartbreaking and devastating case,” Herold said. “We want to emphasize that no form of anger, betrayal, or emotional pain ever justifies violence. Our department is committed to thoroughly investigating this tragic incident and providing support to those affected.”

A Relationship in Turmoil

Friends and classmates described Ramirez and Collins as a “volatile couple” who had been dating for approximately a year and a half. Several peers noted that their relationship had become increasingly tense in recent months, with frequent public arguments and visible strain.

“I think a lot of us saw the warning signs,” said Maya Jensen, a friend of Collins from her dormitory. “They would break up and get back together constantly. Sarah would confide that she was scared sometimes, but she thought he would change.”

Messages posted on social media in the hours after the news broke revealed an outpouring of grief for Collins, described by friends as “bright,” “compassionate,” and “full of life.” A makeshift memorial, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes, quickly formed outside the building where she lived.

University officials issued a statement Sunday expressing condolences to Collins’ family and offering support services to students affected by the tragedy.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own,” said CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano. “Our thoughts are with Sarah’s family, friends, classmates, and instructors. The university is mobilizing counseling and support resources to help our community through this unimaginable time.”

Legal Proceedings Begin

Ramirez was booked into the Boulder County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, where prosecutors are expected to formally file charges.

If convicted, Ramirez could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, according to Colorado state law. Authorities have not yet announced whether they will pursue additional charges, such as domestic violence enhancements.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty spoke briefly to reporters outside the courthouse, stating, “We are committed to seeking justice for Sarah and her loved ones. Cases of intimate partner violence are taken extremely seriously, and our office will ensure that all appropriate legal actions are taken.”

Meanwhile, Ramirez’s defense attorney, who was appointed Sunday, urged the public not to rush to judgment, citing the need for a thorough investigation into Ramirez’s mental state at the time of the incident.

A Growing Concern on College Campuses

Experts say the tragedy highlights a growing concern over relationship violence among college-aged individuals. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 43% of dating college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

“This is an age where emotions run high, and unfortunately, some individuals lack the tools to handle conflict and betrayal in healthy ways,” said Dr. Lisa McMahon, a psychologist specializing in young adult behavior. “Universities need to provide education on healthy relationships and conflict resolution before situations escalate to violence.”

CU Boulder has several programs aimed at preventing relationship violence, including awareness campaigns and confidential counseling services. However, some students argue that more must be done to proactively address the issue.

“We have to do more than just offer resources after something bad happens,” said Lauren Kent, a senior and advocate for campus safety reforms. “There should be mandatory training for all students on recognizing signs of abusive behavior and knowing when to seek help.”

Community in Mourning

As the investigation continues, CU Boulder students and staff are grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the campus quad, where students, faculty, and community members will gather to honor Collins’ memory and advocate for greater awareness around relationship violence.

Collins’ family, who traveled to Boulder from their hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado, issued a brief statement through a family spokesperson:

“Sarah was a vibrant, kind, and loving young woman who had so many dreams ahead of her. We are shattered by her loss. We thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy as we grieve.”

The case has reignited difficult conversations about the dangerous consequences of unchecked anger and relationship toxicity, and the CU Boulder community vows to remember Sarah Collins not just for her tragic death, but for the light and hope she brought into the world during her short life.