Update: Remembering murder victim Isabel Pineda and raising funds for her funeral (1) | The Latest Word | Denver | Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado
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Update: Remembering murder victim Isabel Pineda and raising funds for her funeral (1)

Update: Earlier this week, we told you about the arrest of David Pineda on suspicion that he'd stabbed his wife to death; see our previous coverage below. The victim of this terrible crime has now been identified as Isabel Pineda, a professional housekeeper -- and tonight at 8:30 p.m., her...
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Update: Earlier this week, we told you about the arrest of David Pineda on suspicion that he'd stabbed his wife to death; see our previous coverage below.

The victim of this terrible crime has now been identified as Isabel Pineda, a professional housekeeper -- and tonight at 8:30 p.m., her children and loved ones will hold a candlelight vigil at her longtime home, at 1521 Carrol Court in Thornton. Meanwhile, some of Pineda's clients have set up an account to raise funds to cover her funeral expenses -- and one of them shares memories of a person who long ago went from being employee to friend.

Here's the aforementioned remembrance....
Isabel Pineda was brutally murdered by her husband, David Pineda. She was an extraordinary person who was a housekeeper for several families; some for over twenty-five years. Isabel was more than an employee -- she was a dear friend to all of us. We shared in life's passages together. We cannot adequately express the devastation we feel as a result of her violent death. Isabel was a beautiful (both physically and spiritually) mother and grandmother. She took care of her family, extended family and all of us who were lucky enough to have known her. We knew David as well, and are shocked and angered that he would take such a precious person away from us and from her family. Isabel literally nursed David back to life, and was her family's sole breadwinner for many years, working numerous hours to meet the family's expenses. She never complained about the family and work responsibilities that she shouldered; her work ethic was impeccable. Isabel never came to work in a bad mood -- she was always pleasant and constantly voiced her appreciation for having a job. She had a loyalty to those for whom she worked that is rarely seen in this day and age. There are no words to describe our devastation and pain over Isabel's senseless and untimely death. We will miss her always, not just as an employee, but more importantly as a dear and devoted friend.
...and this photo shows information for the account raising funds for Pineda's funeral. Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved Isabel Pineda. See our previous coverage below. Original post, 9:57 a.m. May 27: Unfortunately, it's rare that a holiday weekend goes by without a homicide taking place somewhere in the Denver metro area.

This time around, the Memorial Day weekend was technically homicide-free, but only by a matter of minutes. Early this morning, a woman died a violent death in Thornton in what's being described as a domestic violence incident -- and her husband, David PIneda, 59, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. Here's what we know thus far.

At 12:05 a.m., according to the Thornton Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1521 Carrol Court to check on the well-being of a woman who lived there.

They soon discovered that she had been stabbed multiple times. She was raced to a local hospital, but the damage was too great, and she succumbed to her wounds shortly thereafter.

The victim's name has not yet been released pending her next-of-kin being notified -- but she's being described as the wife of Pineda, who apparently had fled the scene.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputies eventually caught up with Pineda on C-470, where he was taken into custody and then released to the TPD for investigation of first-degree murder.

No motive has been released thus far, but a department spokesman reveals that the attack took place during a "domestic disturbance."

At this writing, Pineda is in Adams County jail pending what's expected to be the filing of formal charges against him. Here's a larger look at this booking photo.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

More from our Mile High Murder archive circa May 13: "Sandra Mercado found murdered on Lookout Mountain, but was it the crime scene? (51)"

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