Police Fear Gang Retaliation For Murder

PUEBLO - A drive by murder has police fearing retaliation and more gang violence.

19-year-old Michael Vigil was killed last Wednesday.  Police say the suspects most likely belonged to a rival gang.  It was far from a perfect crime, but it hasn't been an easy one for detectives to solve.

"I'd like to say we are narrowing it down, but we are still running down numerous leads," said Mark Bravo, a detective with the Crimes Against Persons Unit.

Vigil was killed in the daylight, near the middle of a well-traveled intersection.  But the fact that it was gang related is forcing police to dig much deeper.

"There's kind of an unwritten code that you don't snitch in the gang world," said Bravo.  "Basically it's for fear...fear of retaliation and fear of getting your own family involved."

Police say Vigil was a known member of the East Side Dukes Gang.  The suspects are believed to be from a rival gang called, The Aces.

"They're typical Pueblo gangs," explained Bravo.  "They are usually two gangs that are at odds over each other."

Bravo says the two gangs operate mainly on Pueblo's East Side.  It's where police are stepping up patrols.  The fear is that another shooting will occur for retaliation.

"It's possible, it's always possible," said Bravo.

Bravo says it's also possible that the gangs will react with sometimes, bad information.

"There could be a name thrown out there of someone not even involved and the next thing you know we have another victim," he explained.

It's another reason why detectives will be working around the clock until they have a suspect in custody.

Police are still looking for anyone who may have any information regarding this murder.  They also want to hear from people who may have been in the area near the 1100 Block of E. 8th Street just before 7:00pm last Wednesday.

The suspects were believed to be driving in a white, 4-door car with tinted windows.  The 4 men inside were described by witnesses as Hispanic men in there 20's.  The gunman had short dark hair.

You will remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 542-STOP.  If your tip leads to an arrest you may receive cash.