Man Stabbed and Killed at Denver Homeless Encampment on Thanksgiving

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Gido Izquierdo-Ortega, a suspect accused of stabbing a man at a homeless encampment in downtown Denver on Thanksgiving, has been arrested by the Denver Police. The incident took place at the migrant encampment located on Lawrence Street and Park Avenue West, just outside of the Denver Rescue Mission.

The stabbing occurred on Thursday morning, shortly before 11 a.m. According to witnesses, a man arrived at the camp and began threatening the residents with a knife. When another man tried to intervene, he was stabbed and tragically lost his life.

The suspect, Gido Izquierdo-Ortega, was subdued by individuals at the encampment and later apprehended by the police. However, this incident was not an isolated event. Carlos Alberto Betancourt, a Colombian migrant residing at the camp, revealed that the trouble began the day before. Izquierdo-Ortega, accompanied by a group of men, came to the camp and verbally harassed the residents.

“We didn’t engage with them or provoke any problems,” said Betancourt in Spanish. “The next day, one of the men returned with a knife and started stabbing a fellow Venezuelan immigrant’s tent. If he hadn’t been quick enough to escape, his life would have been in grave danger.”

Betancourt also highlighted that another friend from Honduras was also threatened. He expressed frustration, questioning why they were being targeted when they had come to the camp seeking refuge and safety.

According to the probable cause statement, a witness informed the police that the suspect specifically targeted them because they were immigrants from Venezuela. The witness defended themselves using a stick against Izquierdo-Ortega’s knife.

Betancourt tried to alert the police about the escalating situation before the stabbing occurred, but they left before the incident took place. The victim was rushed to Denver Health Medical Center but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased has not been released as of yet.

After the stabbing, witnesses reported that bystanders threw items at Izquierdo-Ortega, including a concrete block, in an attempt to subdue him. The suspect was then taken to the hospital for treatment and subsequently released. He is now being held at the Denver County jail on preliminary charges of first-degree murder. The final charging decisions will be made by the Denver District Attorney’s office.

The Denver Rescue Mission, located near the site of the incident, expressed their deep sadness about the tragedy. They affirmed their commitment to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and stated that their thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s friends and family.

In light of this incident, 9NEWS reached out to the Denver Police Department to inquire about their response to the situation and their efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. The police department provided a statement outlining their ongoing work to decrease crime in encampment areas. They mentioned routine patrols, surveillance to identify concerning behaviors, and collaboration with city and local partners to address the root causes of homelessness and provide necessary services.

As the investigation continues, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals residing in homeless encampments. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by migrants seeking shelter and the importance of comprehensive support systems to address their needs..