1 of 2 Denver Weekend Shootings Near Site of Rachel Aboytes's Unsolved Murder

Another summer weekend, more reports of gun violence. The good news: No one died in two weekend shootings in Denver — at least not yet. One person was critically injured. The bad news: No suspects have been apprehended in either case — and one of the incidents took place very...

By Michael Roberts

August 31, 2015

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Another summer weekend, more reports of gun violence.

The good news: No one has died after two weekend shootings in Denver — at least not yet. However, one person was critically injured.

The bad news: No suspects have been apprehended in either case — and one of the incidents took place very near where rapper Rachel "Baby Smiley" Aboytes was killed in March.

There haven't been any arrests in the Aboytes slaying, either.

On March 24, as we reported, Aboytes and another woman were shot on the 1500-1600 block of Valentia Street, an area captured in the following interactive graphic. If you have problems seeing the image, click "View on Google Maps."

Aboytes's companion survived her injuries. Baby Smiley didn't — and thus far, Denver prosecutors haven't pressed charges against anyone for the crime.

Cut to Saturday, August 29, when the Denver Police Department tweeted the following:

#BREAKING #DPD resp to rep of shooting in 1500blk of Valentia. One party transported w/unk condition. Ongoing investigation.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) August 30, 2015

A 7News report adds that the shooting took place at the gas station seen in the graphic above — just down the block from where Aboytes lost her life. The time: approximately 6:30 p.m.

A subsequent DPD tweet revealed that the victim in Saturday's shooting was in critical condition. That we haven't heard any information beyond that must be considered a good sign.

The next day — Sunday, August 30 — another shooting took place.

Here's the Denver police tweet on that topic:

#BREAKING DPD responded to rep if shooting @ 1300blk Newton. 2 victims trans & stable. No susp info, ongoing investigation.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) August 31, 2015

Here's an interactive graphic showing the 1300 block of Newton Street.

Thus far, the DPD hasn't announced arrests in either of these cases.

Like the killing of Rachel Aboytes, they are currently unsolved. If you have any information about any of these three incidents, you're encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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