PUEBLO, Colo. – Francisco Ruiz, 31, was sentenced to life in prison on January 17, 2025, for the 2023 murder of his roommate, Heather Duran. Ruiz was convicted in December 2024 after a 10-day trial on charges of first-degree murder, altering a corpse, and felony menacing.
The case stemmed from a violent altercation during which Ruiz shot and killed Duran. Afterward, he allegedly staged the scene by placing a boxcutter in Duran’s hand to falsely claim self-defense. The murder occurred at their shared residence in Pueblo.
During the sentencing hearing, Duran’s family members expressed deep grief and sorrow over her death. Rosemary Duran, the victim’s mother, described Heather as the center of her family, and expressed that holidays have never been the same since her daughter’s death. She called for justice to be served.
Heather’s sister, Ariane Duran, spoke of her sister’s kindness and loving nature, unable to forgive Ruiz for what he had done. She also shared the pain of Heather’s daughter, who is still struggling to comprehend the loss of her mother. Ariane voiced her anger at Ruiz continuing to experience life while Heather was gone forever.
Senior assistant attorney general Jason Slothouber, who led the prosecution, said that the sentence was crucial not only for justice but also for public safety. He pointed out that Ruiz was not legally allowed to possess a firearm at the time of the shooting, and referenced an unrelated case involving bomb-making materials allegedly found in Ruiz’s home after a standoff with Pueblo police SWAT. Slothouber expressed that the conviction would likely prevent future harm.
Ruiz, who disrupted the court proceedings by laughing during the recounting of the evidence, was admonished by Judge Allison Ernst to maintain decorum.
Defense attorney Jonah Wexler argued that allegations related to bomb-making materials were untried and should not influence the homicide sentencing. He also highlighted Ruiz’s peaceful surrender and behavior while in custody.
Following the attorneys’ statements, Judge Ernst remanded Ruiz to the Colorado Department of Corrections, where he will serve life without the possibility of parole. A restitution hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2025.
After the hearing, Rosemary Duran expressed relief that justice had been served, crediting DNA evidence and witness testimony for securing the conviction.
Ruiz still faces charges in two separate cases involving threats with a firearm and the alleged discovery of bomb-making materials, with trials set for later this year.
