Boy, 15, Dies After Being Shot on His Way to Meet Dad Just Minutes From Where His Relative Was Once Killed

A promising young boy in the Whittier neighborhood, Denver, would never have the chance to achieve his future goals. But was his death a coincidence? Find out how a teenager was gunned down where a relative once died.

Exactly a week ago, the family of Eddie Armijo Preciado received horrific news. They were concerned about their son's disappearance and reported it to the authorities, but shortly after the complaint, they realized that Eddie was never coming back.

Although no suspects have been arrested, the police investigations revealed that the death was a drive-by shooting. However, the family refused to accept the report. Instead, they believe Eddie, their 15-year-old son and nephew, was a target.

Eddie Armijo Preciado Minutes before the Shooting

Eddie was only 15, and on the day he was shot, the young man was doing what any teenager would be caught doing, hanging out with the girl he loved.

Sadly, this is not the first time the family would lose a young boy in the same area. About three decades ago, Sena lost her 16-year-old nephew, Geronimo Maestas.

He and his girlfriend had visited the cinema with her sister as the plus one. The trio was strolling down to a bus stop as Eddie planned on meeting his father.

Sadly, around 31st Avenue and Downing Street, Eddie and his beau got shot. The 15-year-old sustained severe injuries. According to his aunt, Deb Sena, the father waited in vain. She believed the shooting took place around the bus station. She said:

"They were getting off either the light rail or the bus."

Sena explained that her nephew's dad did not think the worst when he did not see his son. Instead, he filed a report, claiming that his son was missing. She added:

"At the time, the police officer didn't even get it that this was the boy who was shot and brought to Denver Health."

Eddie's Condition after Being Rushed to the Hospital

As soon as reports of the incident reached the authorities, the teenager was rushed to Denver Health, where he was being attended to before his family arrived.

The Preciado family refused to accept the police's speculation about the incident. Instead, Sena claimed it was a thoughtful plan and revealed that the Denver Police have yet to share any meaningful information with the family.

Eddie was in a critical state following the shooting, leading the medics to place him on life support. His family made the hardest decision over two days after being plugged into the machine. They agreed to get him off life support at about 9:30 pm.

According to The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, Eddie's death was a homicide. The family speculates that it was an organized crime and not an accident.

Was Eddie's Gun Injury Place Mere Coincidence?

Sadly, this is not the first time the family would lose a young boy in the same area. About three decades ago, Sena lost her 16-year-old nephew, Geronimo Maestas. He was gunned down for wearing a Broncos jacket.

Maestas's killer shot him a few minutes from where Eddie was killed. This shooting occurred during the year tagged "Summer of Violence" in the community.

The Family/Police Want to Catch the Perpetrator

The family has pleaded with public members to provide information that would lead to the shooter's arrest. In a pleading tone, Sena said:

"If anyone knows any information about this crime, contact our family, contact the police, please contact his family."

So far, all hands have been on deck to help apprehend the suspect. The Denver Police partnered with Metro Crime Stoppers for details on possible suspects in the unfortunate incident.

At the beginning of the week, the Denver Police shared that the victim had died and released his photo. However, they are still pressing for information on the offender. They have provided a call line to anyone with vital information. There is also a $2,000 prize money that the informant could earn.

We hope this family soon finds the closure they need, especially as the authorities are unrelenting in their quest to catch the shooter. Above all else, we send our love and prayers to them as they carry on with this intense pain. May their burden be lighter.