Man Sentenced for Shooting Pueblo Teenager in 2025

Romello Hernandez receives 22 years in prison for 2025 attack on 13-year-old girl near Pueblo Riverwalk

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A man named Romello Hernandez has been sentenced to 22 years in prison with 3 years of mandatory parole for shooting and seriously injuring a 13-year-old girl near the Pueblo Riverwalk in July 2025. The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. that morning, and Hernandez was arrested a week later on a warrant for first-degree attempted homicide.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence and the need to protect young victims, especially in public spaces. The sentencing also comes after Colorado passed "Riley's Law" in 2023 to protect the identities of underage crime victims.

The details

According to the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Romello Hernandez was sentenced to 22 years in the Department of Corrections with a three-year period of mandatory parole for the July 2025 shooting of a 13-year-old girl near the Pueblo Riverwalk. Police first responded to reports of the shooting around 3 a.m. that morning and found the teenage victim suffering from life-threatening injuries.

  • The shooting happened on July 14, 2025 along the Pueblo Riverwalk near Historic Power Station 5 & 6.
  • Hernandez was arrested a week later on a warrant for first-degree attempted homicide.

The players

Romello Hernandez

The man who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for shooting and seriously injuring a 13-year-old girl near the Pueblo Riverwalk in July 2025.

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado who signed "Riley's Law" or SB 23-075 into law in May 2023, designed to protect the identities of underage crime victims.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need to address gun violence and protect young victims, especially in public spaces. The sentencing also comes after Colorado took steps to shield the identities of underage crime victims through the passage of "Riley's Law" in 2023.