“Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Sister’s Boyfriend in 2022”

A Pueblo man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges in the shooting and killing of his sister’s boyfriend in 2022. Raymond Apodaca, 38, initially faced first-degree murder charges but reached a plea deal with the 10th Judicial District Attorney Jeff Chostner on July 12.

According to the plea deal, Apodaca will be sentenced to a term in the Colorado Department of Corrections, not exceeding 34 years. Additionally, he will serve five years of parole upon his release and will be required to pay restitution to the victim’s family.

The incident occurred on April 15, 2022, when 36-year-old Victor Trujillo was fatally shot. Apodaca’s motive, as revealed in a recording of an interview played during a preliminary hearing, was his false belief that Trujillo was keeping his sister captive and preventing her from leaving the house or contacting her family.

Evidence collected at the scene by the Pueblo Police Department’s crime scene unit included five spent 9-millimeter shell casings, one live 9mm round, and a black bicycle belonging to Apodaca.

Apodaca is scheduled to be sentenced on September 25 by Judge Thomas Flesher. This case highlights the tragic consequences of acting on false beliefs and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

The plea deal offers some closure to the victim’s family, who will receive restitution for their loss. The case also serves as a reminder of the impact of violence on communities and the need for effective conflict resolution strategies.

As the sentencing approaches, the Pueblo community hopes that justice will be served and that this incident can serve as a lesson to prevent future acts of violence..