Mark "Blizzo" Sepulveda, Justin Martinez wanted in Lakewood slaying of Juan Carlos (28) | The Latest Word | Denver | Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado
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Mark "Blizzo" Sepulveda, Justin Martinez wanted in Lakewood slaying of Juan Carlos (28)

Update: Yesterday, we speculated that the Lakewood Police Department had a pretty good idea regarding suspects in the slaying of Juan Carlos -- and that proved to be the case. The LPD has issued arrest warrants for two men: Justin Martinez and Mark Sepulveda, who goes by the nickname "Blizzo."...
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Update: Yesterday, we speculated that the Lakewood Police Department had a pretty good idea regarding suspects in the slaying of Juan Carlos -- and that proved to be the case.

The LPD has issued arrest warrants for two men: Justin Martinez and Mark Sepulveda, who goes by the nickname "Blizzo."

This moniker must mean a lot to Sepulveda, 24, since he's got it tattooed on the right side of his neck. As for Martinez, age twenty, his most noteworthy ink consists of the word "Mile" on his right hand and "High" on his left. They're believed to have known Carlos, meaning the killing doesn't appear to have been a random act.

Prior to the announcement about the arrest warrants, police spokesman Steve Hipwell told us he didn't believe the general public was in danger. Now, however, the LPD is advising folks who might see the pair or know of their whereabouts not to approach them, but to instead contact the cops; the number is 303-987-7111.

Look below to see the booking photos of Martinez and Sepulveda, followed by our earlier coverage.

Original item, 12:33 p.m. September 20, followed by update from 12:54 p.m. September 20: Sad to say, the pace of metro-area murders appears to be quickening, with two slayings over the weekend: Katrishay Quarles died of a bullet to the throat near the Denver Rescue Mission and Marquez Jones was shot to death in the vicinity of 8th and Lincoln. The latest incident took place in Lakewood, where Juan Carlos, 26, has been identified as the victim in a case that's being investigated as a homicide.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, officers were called to the 1300 block of South Harlan Street at about 9 a.m. on September 17. A family member found the body of a male that had suffered "apparent trauma."

In the beginning, the LPD used the term "suspicious death" in relation to this grisly discovery, noting in a release that while no suspect was in custody, officers didn't believe the public was in danger. The update that named Carlos as a victim didn't address the latter issue, and neither did it mention an arrest. However, the investigation is continuing.

Update, 12:54 p.m. September 20: Just heard from Lakewood Police Department public-information officer Steve Hipwell. At this point, he can't provide any information beyond what's cited above. However, he confirms that even though there have not been any arrests or formal charges to date in the Carlos homicide, he doesn't believe the general public is at risk. Presumably, we'll learn before long if this analysis means the LPD has a pretty good idea who might be responsible for this crime.

Below, check out an interactive graphic of the area near the scene. If you have problems seeing the image, click "View Larger Map."


View Larger Map

More from our Mile High Murder archive: "Jose Manuel Martinez-Adame, aka Vampire, wanted in alleged drug-trade killing (25)."

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