Joshua Melbihess, a 16-year-old male, was found dead on the morning of September 26, 2023, in the 1600 block of South Julian Way in Denver, near the intersection with West Mexico Avenue and close to the Sanderson Gulch Trail. Denver police responded at about 6:30 a.m., and the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner determined he died of a gunshot wound; the death was ruled a homicide.

The Denver Police Department opened an intensive investigation and has asked the community for help. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

If anyone was in the area that morning or has information about Joshua or his movements before he was found, please contact the Denver Police or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.