Merlin Z. Ortiz Obituary: In Loving Memory of Merlin Z. Ortiz who Dies Suddenly

Ortiz was shot in the early hours of August 6 in the 1200 block of Elm Street. He was transported by a private vehicle to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Pueblo Police Department responded shortly after receiving a ShotSpotter alert from the 200 block of Mesa Avenue just after 3 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, officers found seven shell casings at the scene. Officials were later informed that a male victim with a gunshot wound had been brought to the hospital, where he was confirmed deceased.

Police spokesperson Bianca Hicks stated that the shooting occurred nearly directly in front of a surveillance camera connected to the department’s Real-Time Crime Center. This footage is playing a crucial role in aiding the ongoing investigation and the search for suspects.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Corporal Jeff Shay at 719-553-2445 or to report anonymously through Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-7867 (STOP) or online at pueblocrimestoppers.com.