PUEBLO, Colo. — Heartbreak hangs heavy over the city of Pueblo this week as authorities have confirmed the identity of the man killed in a fatal shooting on Northern Avenue Wednesday night. The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 27-year-old Xavier Manzanares, a young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
According to the Pueblo Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire on the 2200 block of Northern Avenue late on September 24. When they arrived, they found Xavier with life-threatening injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts by first responders to save him, Xavier was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause and manner of death, but the pain of his loss is already deeply felt by his loved ones and the wider community.
An Ongoing Search for Answers
The investigation into Xavier’s death is active and ongoing. Pueblo Police detectives continue to examine the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting, combing through physical evidence, speaking with witnesses, and urging the public to come forward with any information that might lead to answers.
As of now, no suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made. Authorities are asking anyone who saw or heard anything — no matter how small — to contact Pueblo Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
“We owe it to Xavier and his family to find the truth,” said one investigator close to the case. “This kind of violence cannot become normal.”
Remembering Xavier
At just 27, Xavier Manzanares had so much life left to live — dreams still to chase, people still to love, memories still to make. Friends describe him as a loyal, kind, and generous soul — someone who could light up a room with his smile and was always quick to offer a helping hand.
“He had the biggest heart,” said one close friend. “He didn’t deserve this. None of this makes sense.”
His family, now left to grieve an unimaginable loss, has asked for privacy as they navigate the early days of sorrow. Plans for a memorial service are expected in the coming days, and friends have begun organizing vigils and fundraisers to support the Manzanares family.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Xavier Manzanares has shaken Pueblo once again — a city already grappling with rising gun violence and community safety concerns. His killing is more than just another statistic; it is a painful reminder of the toll such tragedies take on real families and neighborhoods.
Community members have begun calling for unity, action, and healing — not only to honor Xavier’s life but to prevent future loss.
“We have to do better,” said a local pastor who knew the Manzanares family. “We can’t afford to lose another son, another brother, another friend.”
As the investigation moves forward and his loved ones prepare to say goodbye, one thing remains clear: Xavier’s life mattered. He will be remembered not for the tragedy that took him, but for the light he shared while he was here.
Rest in peace, Xavier Manzanares. You are deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.