Merlin Ortiz, 32, was killed in an act of gun violence in Pueblo, Colorado, on August 6, 2025. A lifetime Pueblo resident born July 11, 1993, Ortiz was a father to four children: Jeramiah Martinez, Merlin Ortiz Jr., Jiselle Ortiz, and Zariah Ortiz. He was remembered by family and friends as a devoted parent who enjoyed cooking, rock climbing, and working out, and who took pleasure in simple moments with his children such as playing Horse with his sons.

Details about the circumstances of the early morning shooting remain scarce, and no information about arrests or identified suspects has been released. The investigation is ongoing, and Ortiz’s death has left a large extended family and community grieving his loss.

If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Merlin, please come forward with tips that could help the investigation.