PUEBLO, Colorado – The first homicide of 2024 in Pueblo, Colorado, was reported on New Year’s Day when Richard Armando Ybarra, 43, was shot and killed in the 1100 block of Berwind Avenue. The county coroner confirmed Ybarra’s cause of death as a gunshot wound. This incident marked the first homicide in Pueblo for the year 2024, with 56-year-old Ricky Gilbert Trujillo arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting. Trujillo is currently being held at the Pueblo County jail on a $2 million cash bond.
Days prior to Ybarra’s death, another individual, 40-year-old Daniel Ernesto Smith, was shot and killed in the 1300 block of East 14th Street, marking the 26th homicide in the city of Pueblo for the year 2023. Additionally, the city recorded 26 homicides in 2023, with a total of 28 homicides recorded county-wide. In comparison, the city recorded 27 homicides in 2022, with the county-wide total reaching 30.
These recent homicides have left the Pueblo community shaken, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city. Local authorities have been working tirelessly to address this concerning trend and have encouraged residents to come forward with any information that may aid in the investigation of these tragic events.
The loss of Ybarra and Smith serves as a grim reminder of the impact of violence within the Pueblo community. As the city continues to grapple with these senseless deaths, authorities and community members are joining forces to work towards a safer and more secure environment for all residents.