Pueblo police searching for shooter who killed 15-year-old boy

Pueblo police are looking for the shooter who killed a teen on the city’s east side.

The shooting happened around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday in the 2200 block of E. 11th Street. The Pueblo County coroner identified the victim as Isaac Lucero, 15. He died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to his chest.

Police say they are searching for two to three people who may have been involved in the shooting, the circumstances of which are still under investigation.

Hours after the shooting, Lucero’s loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil and prayed for violence in Pueblo to end.

“He was too young. He was only 15 years old,” said Briana Buckholz, Lucero’s cousin.

Buckholz said she and her sister were with Lucero when he was shot.

“We sat there with him until they took him,” she said.

Buckholz did not want to share information about the shooter but believes Lucero’s death was gang related. Lucero’s aunt, Monique Kelly, said Lucero was in a gang.

“This gang stuff really has to stop. I mean, it’s not getting [anywhere.] It’s not. We lost him. He’s never coming back. It needs to stop. He was a good kid. He didn’t deserve to die,” Kelly said.

Family members say Lucero was a sophomore at East High School. They describe him as a positive guy who loved music.

“He would always be the person to make me laugh. He would always be the person who was happy and smiling all the time. He was just a great friend,” said Adalena Adame, Lucero’s friend.

“If you were down and out, he’d make you smile,” said Desmirea Quintana, Lucero’s cousin.

They hope Lucero’s death won’t be in vain. “We were trying to get him on the right path. He didn’t deserve this at all,” Kelly said.

Police are investigating whether gang activity played a role in Lucero’s death.

Those who have information on the shooter are asked to call Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 542-STOP. Callers can remain anonymous.