In the late morning of April 25, 2017, a tragedy unfolded on a busy street in Greeley, Colorado, that left a family shattered and a community searching for answers. Alberto Ruiz Jr., a 33-year-old man, was driving his work truck for Estes Valley Asphalt when his vehicle crashed. First responders arrived at the scene near 3057 29th St. to find that Ruiz had sustained injuries inconsistent with a traffic accident.
It was soon discovered that he had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head, a fatal injury that ended his life.
The investigation into Ruiz's death quickly pointed towards a possible road rage incident. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise, described as an explosion, just before the crash and seeing a light-colored pickup truck speeding away from the area. The investigation yielded surveillance footage that captured an image of the suspect vehicle, described as a gold or tan 1990s or early 2000s Chevrolet or GMC pickup, possibly a Chevy S-10 ZR-2 model. Despite having this lead, authorities were unable to discern the license plate from the footage, leaving a critical gap in their investigation.
In the days that followed, the grief-stricken family of Alberto Ruiz Jr., known affectionately as 'Beto,' made a public plea for information. His brother, Art Ruiz, spoke of the unfathomable loss and the void left in their hearts, describing his brother as a source of joy, comfort, and laughter. He highlighted the devastating impact on Alberto's young children, who cried themselves to sleep waiting for their father to come home. The family, along with the Greeley Police Department, urged anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect vehicle to come forward, hoping for a lead that would bring justice for a life taken so senselessly. Despite the circulation of the suspect vehicle's description and the family's heartfelt appeal, no arrests were immediately made, and the person or persons responsible remained at large.
