Victim’s family calls for end to violence after Pueblo hits record number of homicides
It has been a record year for Pueblo when it comes to homicides. A family of a teenager who was killed is asking for people to stop the violence.
The most recent homicide happened Wednesday. Isaac Lucero, 15, was shot and killed. The shooter is still on the loose.
“Everything he did, he had heart. He was probably one of the truest friends you would ever have,” Isaac’s brother-in-law, Stephan Vigil, said.
Vigil said watching his brother-in-law die was the hardest thing he has ever been through.
“I was there. I seen him go down and it was the worst thing I have ever seen in my life because it was someone you cared about so much,” he said.
He’s concerned about the growing number of homicides in the Steel City.
“It’s pointless. We are losing kids every day,” Vigil said.
There have been 14 homicides in Pueblo this year, the second-highest was in 1991 when there were 12 homicides. The police department began recoding statistics on homicides in 1984.
Sgt. Eric Gonzales said homicides are hard to predict, but police are working hard to solve current cases and doing their best to prevent future homicides.
“We do have units such as the gang and the narcotics units that work behind-the-scenes. Those individuals know who the players are in gangs and as well if it is drug-related. When we can get guns and narcotics off the streets then that’s what’s helping behind-the-scenes,” he said.
As for Lucero’s family, they say even though the crime scene tape and officers are gone, the tragedy to Isaac Lucero will not go away.
Four of this year’s 14 homicides have not been solved, including Lucero’s.
Frank Arteaga runs the Gang Alternative Program of Pueblo, where people can exchange guns for up to $50 in cash. He started the program in 1993 after seeing gang violence.
“Guns in the hands of kids that would misuse them is the whole thrust of the program,” Arteaga said.
If you have any information that could help in these cases call Pueblo Crimestoppers at 542-STOP.
