When Tricia Westfall left work at the Arapahoe County DMV on November 15, 2021, she expected a routine ride home with her husband. Instead, the 46-year-old mother of two became another heartbreaking statistic in America’s domestic violence crisis. Her story, now featured in Investigation Discovery’s American Monster episode “Control Freak,” reveals how jealousy and control can escalate into deadly consequences.
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The Fatal Day: What Happened to Tricia Westfall
At 3:30 p.m., Tricia entered her husband Galen Wade Westfall’s black Ford F-150 outside the Centennial, Colorado DMV. Within minutes, shots rang out as the truck traveled eastbound on Geddes Avenue. The vehicle suddenly swerved, jumped a curb, and crashed into another pickup truck near the intersection with South Havana Street.
Emergency responders discovered both Tricia and Galen, 57, dead inside the vehicle. A handgun was found at the scene. Authorities quickly determined this was a murder-suicide—Galen had shot Tricia multiple times before taking his own life, causing the fatal crash in broad daylight.
Behind Closed Doors Case Summary: Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Tricia Westfall, 46, DMV employee |
| Perpetrator | Galen Wade Westfall, 57 (husband) |
| Date | November 15, 2021 |
| Location | Geddes Avenue, Centennial, Colorado |
| Cause of Death | Multiple gunshot wounds (homicide) |
| Official Ruling | Murder-suicide (closed case) |
| Show Premiere | American Monster S13E1, Oct 28, 2025 |
The Hidden Warning Signs
Tricia and Galen married in 2009 after meeting in Colorado, blending their families in Castle Rock. To outsiders, they appeared to be a typical suburban couple. Tricia, originally from Michigan, had established a stable career with over nine years of service at Colorado DMVs. She was raising two teenage sons from a previous marriage.
However, family members later revealed troubling patterns. Galen exhibited increasingly possessive behavior, closely monitoring Tricia’s activities and whereabouts. On the morning of the tragedy, he made multiple calls to Tricia, insisting she clock out precisely at 3:30 p.m. This rigid oversight had become his norm.
The couple had recently returned from a family trip to Mexico, which highlighted underlying jealousies. More alarmingly, investigators discovered Galen had made suspicious financial transfers shortly before the murder, suggesting premeditation.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, controlling behavior like excessive monitoring is a major red flag for potential violence. Tragically, no official abuse reports were filed with authorities before that fatal day.
Understanding the Pattern of Control
Domestic violence doesn’t always look like physical abuse initially. It often starts with subtle control tactics that gradually escalate. Galen’s behavior—demanding precise pickup times, monitoring activities, showing possessive tendencies—fits the classic pattern of coercive control.
Tricia’s family described her as persistent and family-driven, always putting her children first. Her forgiving nature may have delayed recognition of the danger she faced. This mirrors what domestic violence experts consistently observe: victims often minimize warning signs, hoping things will improve.
The CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that approximately 1 in 4 women experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, making this a widespread public health crisis.
The Investigation and Aftermath
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office closed the case on November 22, 2021, after autopsies confirmed Tricia died from multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body (homicide) and Galen from a self-inflicted head wound (suicide). Phone logs, bank transactions, and vehicle forensics confirmed the shootings occurred while the truck was moving.
Passersby and families in nearby vehicles were struck by shrapnel but sustained only minor injuries. Surveillance cameras captured the crash but not the earlier argument inside the vehicle.
Tricia’s family—including her twin sister, two sons, and parents—cooperated fully with investigators. In March 2022 interviews, they remembered Tricia as a vibrant, supportive figure who lit up every room. Her sons vowed to honor her memory by raising awareness about domestic violence.
The tragedy marked one of three intimate partner homicides in Arapahoe County in 2021 alone, highlighting the urgent need for community intervention programs. For more on domestic violence awareness, visit our comprehensive safety resources.
Why This Case Matters
Tricia’s story isn’t unique—it’s unfortunately common. Every day in America, three women are murdered by intimate partners. The public nature of this incident, occurring during afternoon rush hour, underscores that domestic violence can erupt anywhere, anytime.
The lack of prior police reports reveals a critical gap in early detection systems. Many victims don’t report abuse due to fear, shame, or hope that things will change. This case emphasizes why recognizing warning signs and having intervention resources matters.
For viewers interested in true crime analysis with deeper context, explore our crime documentary coverage for more investigative content.
FAQs
What were the warning signs in Tricia Westfall’s relationship?
Family members noticed several red flags in the months before Tricia’s death. Galen exhibited controlling behavior, including closely monitoring her activities, making frequent calls to track her location, and showing rigid expectations about her schedule. He insisted on precise pickup times and displayed possessive tendencies, particularly after their Mexico trip. Investigators also found he made suspicious financial transfers before the murder, suggesting planning. These behaviors align with classic patterns of coercive control, which domestic violence experts identify as precursors to physical violence. Sadly, no formal abuse complaints were filed with authorities, illustrating how victims often don’t recognize or report escalating danger until it’s too late.
How can someone recognize if they’re in a dangerous relationship?
Warning signs of potentially dangerous relationships include: a partner who demands constant communication or location updates, isolates you from friends and family, displays extreme jealousy, makes financial decisions without your input, criticizes or belittles you regularly, or exhibits explosive anger over minor issues. Physical warning signs can escalate from controlling behavior: blocking exits during arguments, damaging property, threatening harm, or showing weapons. If you’re walking on eggshells, making excuses for your partner’s behavior, or feeling afraid, these are serious red flags. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide confidential support and safety planning assistance. Remember: leaving can be the most dangerous time, so professional guidance is crucial for creating a safe exit strategy.
