On a summer evening in Colorado Springs, the life of a local business owner was tragically cut short in a violent confrontation. Cristobal F. Delgado, a 53-year-old white male, was killed on June 23, 1975, during an attempted armed robbery at his establishment, Hoyles Market, located at 1638 South Nevada Avenue. The incident unfolded at approximately 6:30 PM, forever altering the lives of those who knew him.
Two unidentified men attempted to enter the market with the intent to rob it,
demanding money. During the commission of the crime, both individuals brandished pistols and ultimately discharged their weapons. A fatal gunshot from one of the assailants struck Mr. Delgado. An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of his death was a gunshot wound. The case, which is now considered a cold case, remains a painful memory for the community.
Authorities at the time described the two suspects, though they have never been apprehended. One suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 20s, standing approximately 5'10' tall and weighing around 145 pounds; his face was obscured by a stocking. The second suspect was a white male, also in his 20s, about 5'7' tall and weighing 135 pounds, who used a white bandana to cover his face. Investigators believe these same two individuals may have been responsible for the robbery of a dry cleaning store in the same area just two days prior to the deadly incident at Hoyles Market. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information regarding this unsolved homicide.
