PUEBLO, Colo. — Police have identified the victim of a tragic early-morning shooting on Pueblo’s south side as 27-year-old Lejend Watson of Rochester.
The fatal shooting occurred around 2:25 a.m. Saturday near the Uplands Townhomes off Acero Avenue, according to investigators. Witnesses say Watson had just left a party in the Belmont area, where an argument reportedly took place earlier in the night. Moments later, he stopped near the townhomes after noticing a couple arguing and allegedly stepped in to try to break up the fight — an act of kindness that tragically cost him his life.
Several residents told Pueblo Independent News they saw Watson exit a vehicle and approach the couple before multiple gunshots rang out. “It was terrifying — we heard what sounded like 20 or more shots,” one neighbor said. Detectives later marked more than 20 bullet casings scattered across the area during their investigation, which lasted until about 1 p.m.
Neighbors described a heartbreaking scene, seeing Watson’s body lying under a truck covered in blood. A white sheet was later placed over him, confirming his death at the scene.
The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office confirmed Watson’s identity and said his family has been notified. Authorities have not released further details regarding a suspect or motive. While some witnesses claimed that an alleged shooter was taken into custody, police have since clarified that no suspects are currently in custody and the investigation remains active.
The Uplands Townhomes, built in 2021, have seen multiple violent incidents in recent years. One resident noted that this marks the third homicide in the complex, which has struggled with issues involving drugs and vacant units.
Police are urging anyone with surveillance footage, photos, or information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be shared by calling 911, the Major Crimes Section at (585) 428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300, or by emailing MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.
Watson’s death has left both the Rochester and Pueblo communities shaken, as friends describe him as a caring, good-hearted young man who tried to help others — even in his final moments.