Denver Man Arrested in Fatal E. Virginia Avenue Shooting

Suspect Daniel Puga Villegas charged with first-degree murder after police trace vehicle and Instagram evidence.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence collected at a crime scene.A stark, gritty close-up of physical evidence from a fatal shooting exposes the harsh realities of urban gun violence.Denver Today

Denver police have arrested 26-year-old Daniel Puga Villegas in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday afternoon in the 10100 block of E. Virginia Avenue. Authorities were alerted to the incident via a 911 call reporting a white SUV fleeing the scene, and they later traced the vehicle and Instagram messages to identify Villegas as the suspected shooter.

Why it matters

This arrest comes amid ongoing concerns over gun violence and public safety in Denver neighborhoods. The use of surveillance footage, license plate readers, and digital evidence highlights the evolving investigative techniques police are employing to solve violent crimes in urban areas.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, police responded to a 911 call around 12:35 p.m. on Thursday and found a critically wounded man who later died at the hospital. Investigators discovered a handgun, the victim's cellphone and money at the scene, as well as surveillance footage appearing to show the victim exiting a white Chevrolet Tahoe before the shooting. Police traced the vehicle using license plate readers and found it was missing its rear license plate after the incident. They also uncovered an Instagram conversation between the victim and someone selling a firearm. Villegas was identified as the suspected shooter and arrested on Sunday with assistance from the Aurora Police Department.

  • The 911 call reporting the shooting came in around 12:35 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2026.
  • Villegas was arrested on Sunday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Daniel Puga Villegas

A 26-year-old Denver resident who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting.

Denver Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the shooting and made the arrest of Villegas.

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What they’re saying

“This arrest comes amid ongoing concerns over gun violence and public safety in Denver neighborhoods.”

— Denver Police Department

What’s next

Villegas is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, April 14, 2026 for a preliminary hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of using a range of investigative techniques, from surveillance footage to digital evidence, to solve violent crimes in urban areas and bring suspects to justice. It also underscores the ongoing challenges cities like Denver face in addressing gun violence and ensuring public safety.