Helicopter joins search for woman

The Colorado Springs police helicopter joined in the search Wednesday for a woman whose boyfriend committed suicide as officers went to check on her.

Officers went to the couple's apartment in the 6000 block of Twin Oaks Drive on Monday night to investigate a report that Daniel Dereere, 25, threatened to kill Bekime "Becky" Elshani and then himself, Elshani's relatives said.

When they arrived, about 9:30 p.m., a shot rang out and Dereere was found dead inside of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Elshani was nowhere to be found, and family members fear that Dereere harmed the woman.

Detectives dispatched the helicopter Tuesday to search areas that Dereere was known to frequent between Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs. Elshani was not found.

Police have not uncovered any evidence suggesting that Elshani was harmed, and Dereere did not leave a note before his suicide, said police Sgt. Jeff Jensen. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 444-7000.