Denver police used their regular "Mug Shot Monday" spotlight this week to ask for help tracking down 47-year-old Jose Castaneda-Melendres, who is wanted on warrants accusing him of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. The department posted a booking photo and a brief physical description, and noted that the online alert will be taken down if Castaneda-Melendres is booked into jail or turns himself in.
According to the Denver Police Department, Castaneda-Melendres was born Dec. 2, 1978, is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs around 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. The Facebook entry lists the alleged charges and asks anyone with information to get in touch with investigators.
What police shared
In the post, Denver police wrote, "If you turn yourself in, we will expire this post upon confirmation of booking," echoing language the department has used before to nudge wanted individuals toward a peaceful surrender, according to the Denver Police Department. Aside from the mug shot and short description, the notice does not provide additional case details or say where the alleged incident occurred. Investigators say they are following up on leads and are asking the public to call in information rather than approach the suspect.
How to report tips
Denver police directed tips to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, which takes anonymous information by phone at 720-913-STOP (7867) and through an online form. The web form is hosted at the Crime Stoppers portal. The organization notes that tipsters may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest. Authorities emphasized that any sightings or information should be reported directly to law enforcement, not handled by members of the public.
Mug Shot Monday and community reach
Denver’s "Mug Shot Monday" posts are part of a recurring social media strategy meant to crowdsource tips and speed up investigations citywide. As Hoodline covered the leads in other cases around the city, similar weekly features have helped generate information in past investigations.
Legal note
Under Colorado law, first-degree assault is outlined in section 18-3-202 as conduct that causes serious bodily injury, often involving a deadly weapon, and it is charged as a felony, according to Shouse Law. Attempted first-degree murder is treated as an effort to commit murder and can carry potential decades in prison depending on conviction and sentencing factors; see the Colorado Revised Statutes for statute text and additional legal context.
Anyone with information about Castaneda-Melendres is urged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and not confront the suspect. This story will be updated if authorities confirm an arrest or booking.
