A large gathering in a Denver parking lot, meant to celebrate the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, turned tragic on the night of January 3, 2026, ending in the death of 16-year-old William Rodriguez Salas. The male teenager was one of four people shot when a dispute escalated into gunfire.
The celebration was taking place in a parking lot near South Galena Street and East Hampden Avenue where a large crowd had assembled.
An argument broke out within the group, leading to an individual firing into the crowd. Salas and three adults were struck by the gunfire.
Following the shooting, a private vehicle attempted to transport Salas to a hospital for his injuries. However, he succumbed to his wounds and died near South Havana Street and East Iliff Avenue. The three other adult victims were also taken to local hospitals for treatment. One of these victims, a 26-year-old man, later died from his injuries on January 7. The conditions of the other two victims, ages 29 and 33, have not been publicly released.
As of now, the Denver Police Department has not made any arrests in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are still working to identify the person or persons responsible for the violence that cut short the life of William Rodriguez Salas and another individual. They have appealed to the public for any information, including photos or videos from the event, that might lead to the identification and apprehension of a suspect.
