Police look for more clues in Chief Motel homicide

Colorado Springs Police release new details about the August homicide at the Chief Motel in the 1600 block of South Nevada Avenue.

59-year-old Michael Ramirez was found dead at the motel on Aug. 21. The next day, detectives established probable cause for the arrest of a suspect, 49-year-old Santos Joseph Torres. Torres is charged with first degree murder.

A second suspect, 48-year-old Jeannette Silvia, was also taken into custody and charged with first degree murder.

Police are now looking for at least one other person for questioning, though they are not considered suspects in the homicide. Police said that on the evening of Aug. 21, Torres was picked up at the scene of a traffic accident at Security Boulevard and Willis Drive in Security. The vehicle is described as a small, white, older-model sport utility vehicle.

Detectives would like to speak with the driver and any occupants of that vehicle. Police said they do not believe this vehicle and its occupants were involved in the homicide, and they are not considered suspects or persons of interest in the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this vehicle or its occupants is asked to contact Detective John W. Koch, CSPD Homicide Unit, at 719-444-7535.

If anyone has any additional information about this case please call (719) 444-7000; or you may call Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers, Inc. at (719) 634-STOP (7867). You do not have to give your name and could earn a cash reward.