In the early morning hours of October 1, 2016, the sound of gunshots shattered the pre-dawn stillness in the 500 block of East Colfax Avenue in Denver. When Denver Police Department officers arrived at the scene around 2:00 a.m., they discovered a man suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. The injured man was 34-year-old Rene Wells, a Black male. He was rushed to Denver Health Medical Center for treatment, but his injuries proved to be too severe.
Rene Wells died five days later, on October 6, 2016. His death was classified as a homicide.
Rene R. Wells II was born in Denver on August 24, 1982. From a young age, he was known for his big personality, a loud booming voice, and a smile and laughter that could fill a room. Those who knew him described him as quick, always on the go, and possessing a large capacity to love. He shared a close and unbreakable bond with his mother, Debra, and had a deep respect for his father, Rene Sr. He was a protective and loving older brother to his sister, Destini. In his adult life, he became a father to a daughter, Jayla Anne Wells, who was the love of his life, and he also had a son, Jionni Ahnest Wells, who preceded him in death.
The investigation into the shooting of Rene Wells remains open, and it is now considered a cold case. The Denver Police Department has not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with his murder. Authorities continue to ask for the public's help, encouraging anyone with information regarding the case to come forward. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and what led to the tragic loss of life on that October morning are still unresolved.
