Denver, Colorado – A 60-year-old man, Richard Sanchez, was tragically shot and killed on a bus a few blocks away from his home after an alleged argument with a teenager on January 27.
Sanchez’s family initially did not know he had passed away until they tried to file a missing person report days after the incident. The shooting occurred at the intersection of South Federal Boulevard and West Mississippi Avenue around 6:40 pm.
The victim was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead. Another individual was also injured in the incident but did not require hospitalization.
Denver police apprehended a 13-year-old boy in connection with the murder. The altercation allegedly stemmed from a dispute over the positioning of Sanchez’s leg, which was obstructing the aisle on the bus.
Sanchez’s grandson, Joseph Chavez, expressed his disbelief and grief at the situation, mentioning that his grandfather was a genuinely happy person. In addition, the victim’s family was disturbed by the fact that they were not informed of his death until they attempted to file a missing person report.
The 13-year-old suspect is currently in custody on suspicion of first-degree murder. The Denver District Attorney’s Office will determine the specific charges to be brought against him.
This tragic incident sheds light on safety concerns related to public transit in Denver, as around 178 passengers have reported assaults or injuries while using the RTD transit system in 2021 and the first two months of 2022.
The family’s struggle to come to terms with Sanchez’s death underscores the need for effective communication from authorities in such situations. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Denver police department for further comment on the matter.