Pueblo Police Arrest Suspect in 2023 Shooting Death

Adrian Pacheco, 33, charged with first-degree murder in killing of Daniel Smith on New Year's Eve

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:04pm

The Pueblo Police Department announced the arrest of Adrian Pacheco, 33, for the first-degree murder of Daniel Smith, who was shot and killed on December 31, 2023 in Pueblo, Colorado.

Why it matters

This arrest provides some closure for the community after a tragic homicide on New Year's Eve 2023. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of the Pueblo Police Department to investigate and apprehend suspects in serious crimes.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m. on December 31, 2023 along East 14th Street in Pueblo's east side. Daniel Ernesto Smith was transported to a local hospital but later died from his injuries. Authorities have now arrested Adrian Pacheco, 33, and charged him with first-degree murder in connection with Smith's death.

  • The shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m. on December 31, 2023.
  • Daniel Ernesto Smith died from his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.
  • Adrian Pacheco, 33, was arrested by Pueblo Police on March 13, 2026 and charged with first-degree murder.

The players

Adrian Pacheco

A 33-year-old man arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Daniel Smith on December 31, 2023.

Daniel Ernesto Smith

The victim who was shot and killed in Pueblo, Colorado on New Year's Eve 2023.

Pueblo Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the 2023 homicide and made the arrest of Adrian Pacheco in 2026.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Adrian Pacheco's bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the Pueblo Police Department's commitment to solving serious crimes and holding perpetrators accountable, even years after an incident occurs. It provides some measure of justice for the family and community affected by the tragic loss of Daniel Smith.