Aurora Police seek help from neighborhood in teen's killing

Investigators believe 15-year-old Xavier Dominguez and the suspect may have known each other before the fatal shooting.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Aurora Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the person who killed 15-year-old Xavier Dominguez nearly three weeks ago. Investigators say they've gathered some clues about what happened the night Xavier was shot on Feb. 27, but they still need critical help from the community.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving crimes involving young victims, especially when there is a perceived 'culture of silence' that can complicate investigations. Police are hoping the community will overcome any hesitation to speak up and provide the information needed to bring Xavier's killer to justice.

The details

According to police, Xavier met up with the suspect shortly before 11 p.m., and the two interacted for several minutes before the shooting. Detectives believe the suspect ran south toward the High Line Canal after firing the shots and may have left the area either on foot or on a bike. Investigators have interviewed some witnesses but need more, particularly from residents of neighborhoods near Lima Street and Highline Drive, close to Alameda Avenue and Havana Street, who may have surveillance or doorbell camera footage from around the time of the incident.

  • Xavier Dominguez was killed on February 27, 2026.
  • The shooting occurred shortly before 11 p.m.

The players

Xavier Dominguez

A 15-year-old who was fatally shot in Aurora, Colorado.

Stephanie Dominguez

Xavier's mother, who has been pleading for answers since her son's death.

Aurora Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Xavier's killing and appealing to the public for help.

Maj. Crimes Sgt. Chris Cruser

A spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department who is urging residents to come forward with any relevant information.

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What they’re saying

“We would be looking for basically, probably a half hour before that time and a half hour after. Anybody in the area, if they saw someone on foot, if they saw somebody on a bike, if they saw people meet up and talk. That's the type of stuff we're looking for.”

— Maj. Crimes Sgt. Chris Cruser, Spokesperson, Aurora Police Department (cbsnews.com)

“I will never be the same without him. I just need the community's help. No 15‑year‑old deserves to get shot in the chest like that.”

— Stephanie Dominguez, Xavier's mother (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Investigators believe Xavier and the suspect may have known each other, and they are hoping that young people in the area who may have information will come forward to help solve the case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for the community to overcome any hesitation to speak up and provide information to law enforcement, especially when it involves the death of a young person. Solving crimes like this requires the public's cooperation, and Aurora police are urging residents to review any surveillance footage or share what they know to help bring Xavier's killer to justice.