Man Arrested for Fatal Denver Valentine's Day Shooting

Yeanbraiker Yriarte-Valera, 20, accused of killing one and injuring another in alleged fight-related incident

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Yeanbraiker Yriarte-Valera, a 20-year-old man, was arrested in Kansas on suspicion of first-degree murder for a fatal shooting that occurred in Denver on Valentine's Day. Police say Yriarte-Valera is believed to have shot and killed one victim and injured another during an altercation that started at a party in the area.

Why it matters

The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in Denver, which has seen an increase in homicides in recent years. The arrest also raises questions about the suspect's criminal history and whether he had any prior run-ins with law enforcement.

The details

According to police, officers responded to the shooting in the 1500 block of West Maple Avenue around 5:15 a.m. on February 14th. They found a woman who had been shot in the ankle and a man who died from his injuries at the scene. Investigators believe the incident started as a fight at a nearby party that escalated into gunfire, with at least two people firing shots and striking the two victims. Yriarte-Valera is believed to have fired the fatal shot that killed the male victim, while a second suspect allegedly shot and injured the female victim.

  • The shooting occurred around 5:15 a.m. on February 14, 2026 (Valentine's Day).
  • Yriarte-Valera was arrested in Kansas on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Yeanbraiker Yriarte-Valera

A 20-year-old man accused of shooting and killing one person and injuring another in a Valentine's Day incident in Denver.

Denver Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting and making the arrest of the suspect.

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What’s next

Yriarte-Valera's first Colorado court date has not yet been scheduled, but he is being held in Kansas on a Denver homicide warrant. Investigators are still searching for a second suspect believed to have been involved in the shooting.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges Denver faces in addressing gun violence and public safety, particularly around holiday weekends when social gatherings can sometimes turn violent. The swift arrest of the primary suspect is a positive step, but more work remains to fully understand the circumstances and prevent similar tragedies in the future.