The city of Pueblo is once again facing heartbreak after a tragic shooting claimed the life of a young woman and left another person injured in the early morning hours of February 26, marking the community’s second homicide of 2026.
Just before 3:30 a.m., officers with the Pueblo Police Department were dispatched to reports of shots fired in the 2800 block of East 14th Street. When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered a devastating scene. Inside the home, a 20-year-old woman was found deceased. Another individual was located suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
The woman who lost her life has been identified as Evie Jesica Gallegos, 20, of Pueblo. According to the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office, her exact cause and manner of death remain pending as autopsy results are completed. Authorities confirmed that her next of kin has been notified.
The second victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries. While one life was tragically cut short, another now carries the physical and emotional scars of a violent act that has shaken the neighborhood.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives identified a suspect and moved swiftly to secure an arrest warrant. Authorities have named Leandro Medina, 20, in connection with the shooting. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree assault. At this time, Medina is not in custody. Law enforcement officials have stated that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police are actively searching for Medina and are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward. Community members are advised not to approach him and instead contact law enforcement immediately if he is seen.
The loss of Evie Jesica Gallegos has left family, friends, and neighbors grieving deeply. At just 20 years old, she had her entire future ahead of her — dreams yet to be fulfilled, milestones yet to be reached. Her passing is not just a statistic in a police report but a profound human loss that ripples through every life she touched.
As Pueblo grapples with this tragedy, many are calling for justice and for an end to the violence that has affected far too many families. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue working to ensure accountability in this case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pueblo Police Department or submit tips anonymously through local crime reporting services.
In moments like these, a community’s strength is tested — not only in its pursuit of justice but in its ability to support those left behind, to remember the life lost, and to stand united against violence.
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