Midnight shooting at Lake Pueblo leaves two dead; park open as investigation goes on
Bill VogrinSoutheast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected]
June 21, 2024
CPW, Pueblo County Sheriff and CBI investigate after shooting leaves two dead
PUEBLO, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its partners the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation are investigating a shooting early Friday that left two dead at Lake Pueblo State Park.
The Pueblo County Coroner took custody of the bodies and will perform autopsies to determine the cause of death. The coroner also will make formal identification and notify relatives of the victims.
The incident occurred just after midnight at the Sailboard Beach area on the north shore of the lake, not far from the dam, where a group was fishing from shore.
“CPW received a call for help at 12:45 a.m. and responded immediately,” said Joe Stadterman, Park Manager at Lake Pueblo. “In addition, deputies from Pueblo County Sheriff responded along with emergency responders.
“Responding officers found two victims. Colorado Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist CPW in the case.”
Stadterman said witnesses indicated the gunman fled the scene.
“We believe there is no threat to guests in the park at this time,” Stadterman said. “However, there is no suspect in custody.”
The park, its campgrounds and marinas remain open. However, Sailboard Beach and the waters around it will remain closed indefinitely due to the ongoing investigation.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation will take over as lead agency in the case. All further statements will come from CBI.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.