Two individuals are facing serious charges after the discovery of a man's burning body in Poudre Canyon earlier this month led to a homicide investigation. As detailed by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, the suspects, Isaac Valdez-Salvador and Juana Espino, have been arrested for their alleged roles in the murder of a 49-year-old Greeley man.
The chilling sequence of events began when a fire was reported under the bridge at Stevens Gulch Picnic Area before dawn on April 11, and responding firefighters uncovered the grim scene after getting the alert just before 5 a.m., authorities quickly became involved, with the Larimer County Coroner's Office determining through an autopsy and FBI assistance that the victim's death was the result of a gunshot injury which they later revealed was a homicide.
Investigations by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office led to Valdez-Salvador, who was tracked down on April 14 after investigators linked him with the crime. He careened at over 100 mph, zipping past vehicles and clattering through construction zones. His escape ended abruptly with a flat tire, and after a brief foot chase ended with him striking an oncoming car, he was hospitalized with severe injuries but is expected to recover.
With evidence suggesting the murder took place days before the body was discovered, the case falls under the jurisdiction of the 19th Judicial District, amid the host of charges, including First Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, both Valdez-Salvador and Espino, the latter arrested on April 18, are being held without bond at the Weld County Jail, Captain Bobby Moll of the Investigations Division commended the teamwork and relentless pursuit of justice by those working the case, adding, "This wouldn't have been possible without our regional partners and this team's unwavering dedication to public safety," as per Larimer County Sheriff's Office.
