A man from Fort Collins who was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 25 near Mead while trying to escape from the police has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death and burning of a Greeley resident.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Isaac Valdez-Salvador, was linked to the crime after the discovery of a body under a bridge at the Stevens Gulch picnic area off of Colorado 14. The victim was identified as Gerardo Hernandez Lucio, 49, and the coroner’s office ruled his death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
Valdez-Salvador was identified as a suspect through additional information and forensic evidence, according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe that Valdez-Salvador and another suspect, 37-year-old Juana Espino of Evans, knew the victim and killed him before setting his body on fire.
Valdez-Salvador attempted to evade law enforcement in Loveland on April 14, reaching speeds of over 100 mph before being hit by a vehicle and sustaining serious injuries.
He is currently recovering in a hospital and will be booked into the Weld County Jail on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Espino was also arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and a weapons charge.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Investigator Ryan Gebhardt at 970-498-5586.
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