The Denver Police Department has arrested Rafeal Jesus Acosta Hernandez in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday in an alley on North Zuni Street.
Shooting and Immediate Response
At approximately 12:18 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 2600 block of North Zuni Street, where they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Two women witnessed the shooting. One attempted to save the victim, using her hands to apply pressure to his wounds, while the other followed the suspect’s white pickup truck and provided real-time updates to 911 dispatchers.
Pursuit and Arrest
At 1:27 p.m., officers located the suspect’s white pickup truck near West 26th Avenue and North Federal Boulevard. After a brief vehicle pursuit, the suspect fled on foot.
With assistance from SWAT and K9 officers, police captured and arrested Acosta Hernandez. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of dog bite injuries sustained during his capture.
Investigation and Charges
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby building, which showed Acosta Hernandez approaching the victim from behind and firing multiple times at close range. Investigators believe the two men had an argument before the shooting and may have had a prior conflict the week before.
Acosta Hernandez is now facing charges of first-degree murder. The medical examiner will release the victim’s identity and cause of death at a later time.
Denver police continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
