In the spring of 2021, a 59-year-old man named David Lara was tragically killed in Denver. On the first of April, he was sitting at a bus stop near the intersection of Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue when gunfire erupted. Lara, an innocent bystander, was caught in the crossfire of what was reported to be gang-related violence. A stray bullet struck him in the chest, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he died from his injuries.
At the time of his death, he was experiencing homelessness and would work just to afford a daily meal.
David Lara was a man who, despite his circumstances, was known for his kind heart and his love of music. He was a familiar face to many and was known for playing his guitar, an act through which he shared his passion and brought smiles to those around him. He is survived by his three children, a daughter and two sons, as well as six grandchildren. His family, devastated by the sudden and senseless loss, remembered him as a man who would do a lot for the people he knew and was well-loved.
In the wake of the shooting that also claimed the life of another man, DeAngelo Tafoya, an investigation led to the arrests of two suspects. Elias Chavez and Tlaloc Chavez, both 22 years old at the time, were taken into custody. The Denver District Attorney's Office filed formal charges against the two men, including first-degree murder and criminal attempt to commit murder. They were scheduled for a court appearance to face the allegations against them.
