In the quiet community of Pueblo West, Colorado, the life of 13-year-old Hailey Perkins was tragically cut short on June 27, 2022, just one day shy of her fourteenth birthday. A lifetime resident of Pueblo, Hailey was a 7th-grade student at Mann Middle School who was known for her big heart and an even bigger smile that showcased deep dimples. She was described as a playful girl who enjoyed the outdoors, swimming, and playing basketball with her older brother.
Those who knew her said she was unapologetically herself, always there for her friends and trying to make people laugh. She was the kind of person who would befriend a student who didn't have any friends, just so they would have one.
The morning of June 27th took a devastating turn when Hailey was found unresponsive in her bedroom by her brother. Initially, her death was considered 'suspicious' by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office due to her young age. The community was rife with rumors, with some speculating that drugs may have been involved. However, the Pueblo County Coroner's Office later confirmed the heartbreaking truth: Hailey's death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. This revelation shifted the focus of the investigation to finding the person or people responsible for her murder.
In the months and now years that have followed Hailey's death, her family has been left in a painful state of limbo, desperate for answers and justice. They have held vigils and organized events to keep her memory alive and to bring awareness to her unsolved case. Her mother, Tanya Perkins, has spoken of the immense grief and the torment of not knowing who took her daughter's life. As of the latest reports, the investigation into Hailey Perkins' murder remains active and ongoing. Despite the passage of time, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office has maintained that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, but for a grieving family and a concerned community, the absence of a resolution is a constant source of pain.
