Suspicious death in Pueblo now deemed a homicide

Tuesday, December 31st, around 12:30 p.m., Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an apartment at the 200 block of South McCulloch Blvd in Pueblo West.

Neighbors told us the man was found dead inside his unit at the Sun Haven Apartments.

KRDO crews spoke to a man Saturday who said he was the one who found 64-year-old John Karl Bolte.

That man, who lives nearby in the complex, told us he knew something was wrong when his friend and fishing buddy didn't answer the phone or come to the front door. He said he noticed the back sliding door was unlocked, and then saw the Bolte on the ground with severe head wounds around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

PCSO detectives along with the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office were dispatched to the address soon after. Pueblo County Sheriff’s deputies believed the injuries appeared suspicious in nature. Detectives kept the apartment secure, standing watch over it while awaiting the results of an autopsy.

After the autopsy was completed, the evidence did confirm homicide.

While specific details have not been revealed, the coroner was also able to confirm the identity of the individual as 64-year-old, John Karl Bolte.

Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor encourages the public to get involved. “Mr. Bolte lived alone in this apartment, but we are sure that he has friends and family that can help lead us to the individual(s) that did this,” said Sheriff Taylor Friday morning. “We ask that anyone with information regarding Mr. Bolte’s death or anyone that saw something suspicious in the area on the 30th of December or New Year’s Eve day, call us.”

The Sheriff's office told KRDO Saturday it was in contact with Bolte's family.

Neighbors say they're concerned for their safety, even after detectives told them this was an iscolated incident and they don't believe there's any threat to their safety.

KRDO crews saw deputies surveilling the building Saturday afternoon and into the night.

The public can use the following numbers to provide information to detectives, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office at (719)583-6250 or Pueblo Crimestoppers at (719)542-STOP (7867).

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area New Years Eve, or the night before, is asked to give them a call.