A homicide investigation is underway after an adult man was found with an apparent gunshot wound in the 12400 block of East 42nd Avenue, Denver police said Tuesday. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Detectives are working to develop information on a suspect and are asking anyone who knows something to step forward.
In a post on X, the Denver Police Department said detectives had opened a homicide investigation in the 12400 block of E. 42nd Avenue and were actively working to identify a suspect. The department also noted its X account is not monitored 24/7 and directed non‑emergency calls to 720‑913‑2000.
How to report tips
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is collecting information and takes anonymous tips by phone and online. Its tip portal lists 720‑913‑7867 as the hotline and says it accepts online submissions through a form on P3 Tips, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers shows.
Context: Homicide trends in Denver
While each killing is investigated on its own, this case comes as Denver moves through a period of sharply reduced homicides compared with the prior year. The city ended 2025 with a steep drop in killings compared with 2024, with local reporting and police data pointing to a significant year‑over‑year decline.
Reporting by the Denver Gazette notes Denver’s falling homicide numbers mirror a broader national slide identified by other outlets.
Police are asking anyone who saw the incident, recorded video or has other information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers or the department’s non‑emergency line. Investigators said they plan to release additional details as the case develops.
