On the afternoon of Friday, May 16, 2025, 38-year-old Bryan Orlando Parada was shot and killed in Colorado Springs. The shooting happened about 2:40 p.m. in the 2800 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue, a shopping center a couple of blocks north of Will Rogers Elementary on the city’s southeast side. Officers who arrived at the scene found Parada, who had succumbed to his injuries.

Police identified a suspect and arrested Emmanuel Cooley III, who is facing a first-degree murder charge and other lesser offenses in connection with Parada’s death; court documents say this was Cooley’s second time facing a murder charge. Parada was born in Colorado Springs on March 30, 1987, and is survived by his parents, four children — Adonis, Nehemiah, Gabriel, and Aya — and an extended family. He is remembered as someone who loved family gatherings, had a teasing sense of humor, and trusted in his faith.

Anyone who knew Bryan, saw activity in the 2800 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue that afternoon, or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.