In the late evening hours of August 1, 2002, the life of 19-year-old Tyrone Elliott Kato Bautista, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short on Payne Circle West in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The night began with a visit to friends, from which Bautista departed to make a purchase at a nearby convenience store. An argument with several other young men at the store would prove to be a fateful encounter.
Upon returning to his friends' home, Bautista recounted the dispute. Shortly thereafter, two vehicles, one described as a white two-door sedan, were seen driving slowly past the residence. The situation escalated when one of the cars stopped, and a number of men got out, shouting at Bautista. In response, Bautista, who was armed with a handgun, moved towards them. The men then re-entered their vehicle and began to drive away.
Bautista gave chase on foot, pursuing the car down Payne Circle. It was during this pursuit that a single, fatal shot was fired, striking Bautista in the chest. Emergency services were called to the scene around 10:30 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Arriving officers discovered Bautista lying in the road, deceased from his wound.
Despite the passage of time, the homicide of Tyrone Elliott Kato Bautista remains unsolved. Investigators have not publicly identified any suspects, and no arrests have been made in connection with his death. The case has grown cold, leaving his family and community without answers or justice for the young man who was a talented athlete in both baseball and track during his time at Coronado High School.
