Wife of slain soldier speaks out after new arrest in Colorado Springs

A new arrest in a Colorado Springs murder case is giving one family hope for closure.

Early Saturday morning, Colorado Springs police arrested Charles Valentino Lobato for the first-degree murder of Shawnee Tapia. Tapia was killed in early January walking out of a liquor store along Astrozon Boulevard.

“My kids are never going to have their father again, all we have is memories,” said Sonya, Tapia’s wife in an emotional and exclusive interview with KRDO.

Shedding tears over the phone, Sonya describes her late husband’s life and distinguished military career.

“My husband fought for everyone’s freedom, he loved his country,” Sonya said.

Tapia served in the army for seven years. After being deployed to Afghanistan, Tapia moved his wife and two young children to Colorado Springs.

“It was to start a new chapter, we loved hiking and Garden of the Gods,” said Sonya.

Two years later, Tapia was shot and killed outside a liquor store off of Astrozon and Academy Boulevard.

It wasn’t until eight months later, the suspect, Charles Valentino Lobato was arrested.

“I hope he rots in hell and has to endure what we feel every day,” she said.

Sonya choked up during the interview, thinking about all of the remaining unanswered questions.

“I have no idea what could possibly happen for this man to take my husband’s life,” Sonya said.

Lobato is facing first-degree murder charges, but may also face additional charges for another shootout that happened months later in Costilla County.